Your lighting isn't helping as they are pendant lights going straight down and not bouncing the light around. The only things i'd change are the flooring to something light, the tiles ( dated ) and the worktops. If you went for glass in aqua to match the rest of the room and painted white above to match the ceiling it would immediately lift the room. Change the worktops to something like an ivory quartz with reflective qualities and put in strip lights on the ceiling and undercounter lights. Try to match the quartz worktops to the floor tiles and it's transformed. I don't think it's the cabinets that are the problem.

Hello Scott, Adding to Jonathan's suggestions, Look at the bones of the space first before worrying about what's going in it.. To an extent.. You really do need to consider what the end result is that you want.. It doesn't have to be in enormous detail but it really does need thinking about as a whole.. Once the bones have been decided then you can flesh out the scheme... So unless you're making structural alterations and or requirements that need engineers, architects etc.. You may need these but you may only need a builder- that all depends on the works.. then you could work with an interior designer once you're closer to getting to where you need to be in order to start decorating and filling the home with furnishings etc.. It might also be a good idea to work with a designer initially to consider what should stay or what you can address to retain the character or inject that which may have been lost.. Someone who can advise you on a look that compliments you and your family? and of course the house.. Whether that be kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms or gardens. What oven, what sofa, what plant.. For a full and coherent look at the house as a whole regardless of whether you do it all at once. : ))

hi agree, wallpaper looks great I'd opt for medium format tiles with the size of bathroom you have and if there is enough light then maybe even go for darker tone.

There is not much difference quality wise between carcasses, what makes a good quality unit is the doors and hinges, so this is where best to spend your money. You mentioned you are having your doors bespoke made, so the quality will come from these. Therefore it makes no odds whether you get your carcasses from Ikea or Howdens. Once the units are fitted you won’t notice the thickness of the carcass. I have heard there can be an issue with the backs of Ikea units, a good fitter is likely to know if this would be an issue in your property.