In somewhat prioritized order: Knobs: Replacing the cabinet knobs is one of the lowest cost ways to change the look of a kitchen. Maybe an oil rubbed bronze? Backsplash: Replacing the red/pink appearing back splash with new tile would be your biggest benefit. I think cream would go with cabinets/counters but you can try to match to a lighter color that's already in the counter. You can mix it up a little with tile that's a different size than 3x6 . I would recommend against introducing new colors that aren't already present in the counter. Improved storage: Is that a pantry next to the fridge? Could you put in some different shelving to help you store some of the items on the counter easier? Lighting: Some people hate overhead can lights, but if this was my kitchen I'd want to add some LED remodel can lights over the walkways. To me it seems like this would be a dark kitchen to work in after sunset. You could also put in new pendants that have a little more height (maybe 12"-15" high). It looks like you have a 9 foot ceiling so your light fixtures can be a little taller (but not much wider). Also if you do the backsplash I'd add under cabinet LED lighting (doesn't look like you have under cabinet lights right now). Cabinets: You could paint the cabinets an off white if the gold/yellow tint is really bugging you. I can't tell if the current cabinets are oak or maple. Redesigning the kitchen with new cabinets and counters will end up 2-3x more expensive. I would not go there unless you have the money and want to spend it to get all drawers, full height upper cabinets, an extra sink, and move appliances around. A lot of the above can be do it yourself. Replacing knobs just takes a screw driver. Even if you hire someone I'd think budget could be well under $10K including new stainless appliances (more if you have cabinets professionally painted).

Thank you so much for the suggestions. I do like the idea of going with a softer trim color such as Linen. Would the house benefit most from a light trim or a dark trim? Any thoughts on using SW Urbane Bronze for trim and/or front door.

Beautiful room, nice calm feel. My DIL recently bought this pretty jute rug in the color "natural" Venice Jute Rectangular Rug

Thank you both for the replies! I'll see if I have some local professionals to reach out to for help as well. As far as the heights of the ceiling and trays at each level, that is something I'll have to get. Still moving in really, just thought I would get a head start with this because privacy and light control both needed. Light control mainly because the TV would be affected at least without the option to control the lighting. There are 4 recessed LEDs in each level of the trays, total of 8 LEDs as well as the light/ceiling fan combo. Plenty of lighting inside. I have not posted pictures of nautical decor, alot of what I have including draperies that were in use are deep/dark hues of sea blues and greens with lighter accents. Some hand carved wood accents closer to the color of the flooring you seen in the picture. Just in my head, that darker sea blues and greens would not seem to go with that flooring, or am I wrong there? Curious if I'm needing to switch up to lighter browns/coral colors or something for my nautical/coastal look. I'll post more pictures, room is like 23ftx23ft.