There are so many gorgeous knobs, what about something to add a bit of personality and fun/joy to the kitchen. Easy, simple and fairly low cost to play with. All the same, different but co-ordinated ones, alternate ones ... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Multi-coloured-ceramic-knobs-drawer-pull-cupboard-door-knobs-porcelain-china-/281241082642?var=580285132418&hash=item417b465b12:m:m-VBL7PkycruyxaWl0qihJg http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ceramic-Door-Knobs-Handles-Drawer-cupboard-wardrobe-porcelain-china-pulls-/310630047875?var=610179807491&hash=item4852fe6083:m:myhVxaODYrgIIljMoguLYoQ Not saying it has to be one of these, just examples to open up the options from the more traditional, slightly more masculine ones ...

So you know I bought a single 'click deco' brand dolly light switch a while back and found it to be pretty poor quality so it was returned. Ended up with these: http://www.forbesandlomax.com/the-unlacquered-brass-range.html Really good quality and they have lovely finishes too. I quite like their antique bronze range too as it contrasts nicely with chrome/nickel finishes without clashing. If you'd really like everything to match then take a look at the Jim Lawrence range. They're not the cheapest but offer both light switches and door furniture in a large selection of finishes. They also do the narrow style of light switches which I think looks really elegant in older houses. https://www.jim-lawrence.co.uk/door-window/door-handles-door-knobs/bromley-handle-with-bristol-keyhole-backplate-in-510201bw?returnurl=%2fdoor-window%2fdoor-handles-door-knobs%2f%3fcount%3d36 https://www.jim-lawrence.co.uk/1-gang-dolly-architrave-switch-in-chrome-with-3279chniz https://www.jim-lawrence.co.uk/2-gang-black-dolly-switch-bevelled-plate/

How’s the artificial lighting? Have you considered a mirrored splashback behind the oven? I’d put a normal mirror there (whilst the oven isn’t on!) to see what a difference it makes. The curtains and coats also look as if they’re blocking light. Maybe you could remove everything temporarily to see what the light is like? You could also consider something like Dulux light and space on your ceiling which reflects a lot more light than standard paints or I have little Greene intelligent eggshell on my kitchen walls which has a sheen level of 15% (not good for any imperfections in the plaster though!).The wood doesn’t seem to be reflecting much light at all so I’m sure painting them is probably going to help anyway unless you go really matt. Stunning kitchen btw!

Thanks everyone for weighing in, lots of food for thought. I'm more bothered about looks than functionality (!) so think I'll stick with the shorter handles horizontal in the middle of the doors. Looks less cluttered. Still debating about the mix on wall 1 though! @ Hazel Kindley I think I got the idea for the brass plinth from Houzz! Not 100% sure how I'm going to do it yet. Will order standard plinths with my kitchen and possibly get them wrapped in brass sheet, or I may see if I can get a fabricator to make new ones. The problem is that I need two 4m lengths and don't want too many joins in them.