Since you already bought the paint and can't return it, try painting a piece of foam board (two coats) with the Powell Buff and lay it beside the oak. Observe it at different times of day and see if you like it. I'm more familiar with SW colors, but there are some BM color experts over at the Home Decorating site. Post your question over there and see what they say.

The latest issue, the backsplash. Can it stay? I received a sample of the door and drawer fronts in the style and color I ended up ordering, and I had the paint color and sheen matched so that I can start painting the old maple boxes to accommodate the replacement door and drawer fronts. (As you know, the new wall unit will be ordered prepainted from the factory.) Anyhow, the new issue is whether the backsplash can stay. I have to fix a few grout areas that cracked and replace two tiles, but I'm inclined to keep it. It's the carrara-like subway 2"x4" tiles from Lowes, which are not expensive ($10 per square foot), but the labor will be more than I want to spend. Let me know if you think it has to go. I've included below pictures of the peninsula boxes, which I've painted already and the new door as well as pictures of the door with the backsplash and counter so that you can see the contrast. Keep in mind that my wall color will be Benjamin Moore Mount Saint Ann in Aura's kitchen/bath paint (a special scrubbable, moisture and mildew resistant matte paint)--the same paint I used in my bathroom above: Also keep in mind that I'm replacing the range with a Dacor Dr30DNG, which I just bought, and likely replacing the over the range microwave/vent with a standard pro style hood like this: Here are the new paint/cabinet photos:

A built-in fireplace below the book nook would be a great feature...would add ambience, mood and warmth. Go a little bit more contemporary and sophisticated ...so that you don't overwhelm the room with too many country pieces. You could also add feature shutters to your windows for modern country look. The book nook could always be emptied and used to fit a small flat screen TV if you decide you need one in that room. I would also delete one sofa and the large chair and move the dark corner cabinet to a hallway somewhere. Then I would add two petite queen anne style (recliner) chairs (like the one you already have) to sit on both sides of the new fireplace insert. I would also add a narrow (DIY) wood sofa table behind your one sofa to divide the room and to prevent children from climbing over the sofa back. I love your idea of adding brick-look or stone façade to the wall. This would add texture and color at the same time and truly make it a feature wall. http://www.homedepot.com/p/SpectraFire-36-in-Traditional-Built-in-Electric-Fireplace-Insert-36EB220-GRT/204298396 

Thanks everyone for your comments. I'll try to answer everyone in s logical fashion. Colour Zen: I just painted the cabinets this colour because I love it and because I have a sage green carpet in the open living room part of the space which is almost the same colour. I really don't like white cabinets and in this space they would pretty much slam you in the face when you come in the front door. I wanted a softer, less obtrusive look. Beth H: I will be replacing both the counters (hopefully with a white quartz marbled with grey) and the backsplash either in the same quartz or in a toning glass tile. Will have to lay the samples out to choose. The terrazzo tile on the backsplash was also all over the floor until last week so we are a work in progress. I like the idea of darkening Gray Horse by 50% to go above the counters and on the accent wall to the right. If I did that then I could paint the rest of the room a colour similar to the White Dove you have shown or the Sea Salt at 50%. Just want something with some light and life to it rather than a flat beige or the pinky beige that the previous owner had it painted. Should mention that all the trim (and there's lots of it) is wide and brilliant white so something that has a bit of contrast with it would be good. Thanks aktillery9 and junco East Georgia. Appreciate your ideas this is the rest of the room