I had a similar situation in a house I moved into years ago. I did a quick fix of painting all of the walls, woodword and the cupboards the same shade of cream. Sounds a bit OTT but it really knocked back the cupboards, which in all honesty are not something you want to make a feature out of, and created a calmness to the whole space. In your case, I would go for an off white so that the gang plug wires, radiator pipes and covers hiding the wires for the extractor fan etc., are disguised as much as possible -- that will tie in with the palest of the tiles in the splash back, and then you will have a pretty basic colour scheme of a very place colour and the dark worktop, fireplace and floor, which will stand out more. I think you need more storage with doors -- that bookshelf isn't doing anything for the kitchen. If you could get something in there that could hide lots of clutter -- even if just something cheap from IKEA, that would help greatly. Or work something around the filing cabinet that you have? A huge cheap mirror over the fireplace would bounce some light around too. If you don't want to go for undercupboard lighting, and if you have enough plug points, how about some lamps on the worktop, especially at the FF end with a floor standing lamp at the end with the chair. For the table, I would go for a table cloth and reupholster the chairs if they are not to your taste. A new blind in a much fresher colour would be great. Depending on the colour of your filing cabinet (if you use it), I think a petrol blue could add a nice vintage vibe to the chimney breast, and make more of a feature of it. I would try and go down a vintage/slightly industrial route rather than country. You may have some stuff lurking around that you could use, once you have got the base colours right -- currently it just feels a little cluttered and a bit of a mish mash. Best of luck. Looking forward to seeing some after shots :)

We've got a mid grey floor and I have a toddler (they're about equal with dogs for mess!) It works very well and we're about to move and do another kitchen, it sounds as if I'll be having similar colours to you and I will definately be going with the grey flooring again! To create a bit of interest I am going to invest in some really smart tiles for the splash back, I'm thinking pearlescent, light reflecting in similar colour to the cupboard doors but with lighter shades too and possibly a geometric pattern. I will then add interest to the ktichen with smart lighting and artwork and a really cool blind for the window. Just thought I'd share this info and hope it helps. If you really want to do colours, I'd chose a blue.

I would have poo poo’d this idea before as I’d wonder what the point was, but make your self a mood board using the colours roughly in the same ratios. Are you planning on having some artwork as this may be the lynchpin that helps it hang all together. Pulling colours through from that will help the scheme. Tonal can be soft and soothing but needs layering up with texture to create a cohesive scheme. Alternatively pops of bright colour can look amazing and your kitchen is lovely and bright with good bones. What is the rest of your house like, and what is your style?

@colourhappy I took your advice and used Little Greene’s Light Bronze Green. And I LOVE it. I went even further and took Little Greene’s suggested palette, toning it with Ashes of Roses in the lounge area and China Clay replacing the stark white on the other walls. The overall effect is fabulous... colourful, dramatic, modern, cosy and yet still allowing enough light into the room. I just need a new blind in the kitchen and I’m finished, Thank you so much for the prompt !