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 :)

It’s a good layout I’d leave well alone for that budget. The kitchen is small but at least open to the living space. I understand wanting s big kitchen though- I personally would consider making the back room a kitchen diner then the small kitchen a utility. However I think a lot of people would prefer the current layout

Something like this? Found it on Etsy

Since you’re looking for rental-friendly solutions, here are a few ideas on how to seamlessly extend your kitchen into the dining area using furniture, while maintaining a bright, open feel. 1. A kitchen island or bar cart could serve as an excellent transition piece between your kitchen and dining room. If space allows, a small island with seating can act as both extra counter space for cooking and a social spot for guests. Choose an island that complements the aesthetic of both spaces, and keep it on wheels for easy mobility. If you’re really tight on space, a slim bar cart can also work as a portable prep station. 2. If you have enough wall space, adding open shelving can create a sense of flow between the two areas. This will allow you to store kitchen essentials within reach of the dining area, and the open shelves help maintain a feeling of openness and light. You can use decorative items like plants, glassware, or cookbooks to keep it aesthetically pleasing and functional. 3. Consider adding a foldable dining table or a buffet-style console table against the edge of the kitchen. This can serve as additional prep space when needed, or as a serving area during dinner parties. When not in use, you can fold it away or keep it neatly tucked against the wall to avoid crowding the room. 4. One of the best ways to make the two areas feel connected is by creating a cohesive color scheme that flows from the kitchen into the dining room. If your kitchen is small, consider keeping it light and bright with soft tones like white, light gray, or pale pastels. In the dining area, carry through complementary colors in your furniture, textiles, and accessories to create a natural visual link. 5. In a smaller kitchen, it’s essential to use the vertical space effectively. Consider tall storage units or floating shelves that don’t take up floor space but still provide plenty of room for utensils, pantry items, or even decorative elements. This will help keep your kitchen organized without overcrowding it. 6. Since you’re trying to blend the kitchen and dining areas, rugs can help define the spaces without creating a stark divide. A stylish rug in the dining area can add warmth and comfort, while also visually extending the space. Just be mindful of choosing a rug that’s easy to clean and maintain, given that you're cooking in the area. 7. Good lighting can really help tie the two spaces together. A statement pendant light or chandelier over the dining area can anchor the room, while under-cabinet lighting or wall-mounted sconces in the kitchen can help maintain the flow of light. Soft, ambient lighting will ensure the space doesn’t feel too closed off or dark, and the shared lighting can make the kitchen feel like it’s part of the larger dining area. 8. Bringing in some plants or greenery can also create a natural flow between the kitchen and dining room. Small plants on the countertops or hanging planters can provide an organic link between the two spaces, and plants can also help soften the boundaries between functional and decorative areas. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions!