Thank you @everdebz and @eam44 for the input. I did hire Kylie for a cabinet color consult and she did a good job (though I hadn't chosen a counter top at that point), I was more looking for a cabinet color that would be a "white" that would look good in a north facing room and this is from her consult - "SW Alabaster. This is a warm, creamy white. It will help to off-set the northern light coming in, without being as yellow as Dover White." She also suggested Westhighland White as a 2nd choice. SW 7566 but I feel I see a bit of pink...maybe I need my eyes checked. I do like Alabaster, but it seems a bit too warm for some of my counter top selections. What is the "nuance" of SW alabaster.... And does it contradict what Lori says about nuance below? From reading the chroma info from land of color expert @funcolors it seems I want "Colors with a nuance that is light and clear. Meaning choose paint colors that are clear but not vivid or bright", but how to pick one. Don't exactly understand how I figure out "nuance". Also, do I start with a paint color that will work in a northern exposure and then select a counter top to go with, or do I pick a counter top and then pick a cabinet color? I see so many counter tops that I like, yet I can't figure out how to pick the proper paint color that will work with the counter top AND the north exposure. And then to bring in a dark color for the island. Kylie suggested SW Cyberspace or SW Grizzle Gray 7068. I really like Grizzle Gray, but I am concerned it is too muddied and gray for the northern light. Will the gray stand out more? Say I chose something with green undertones (SW Urban bronze 7048) is the blue north light going to counteract to make these colors appear brown? or will the green tones be more prevalent. Bottom line I am still having a hard time figuring out what the natural light will do to the various paint colors. And because the house is under construction and my cabinet color choice needs to be made, I am not in a situation where I can wait until everything is in place.

I agree that a few additions will go a long way. I definitely can see rugs or mats adding so much, and they are not big commitments and can be moved. Little touches of color are all you need. I think some of the stools suggested, if you can use them, would be great. And yes, a bowl of flowers, a teakettle or the like, and you will be very happy with your kitchen.

I agree with @jlc712 that you should put your efforts to replacing the floor and replacing the counters. Do the floors first. A floor in a kitchen is always dominating because it takes up a lot of space and is horizontal. Everything will look different after the floors are changed. However, when were those floor tiles installed? If any time before the early ’80s, you need to check the floor tiles for asbestos before replacing them. Your pictures are too dark to give advice about color. After new floors are in, then choose new counters. I would also replace the fussy light. I don't know your budget, but you could think about installing ceiling cans and doing away with the single pendant light altogether. I would not change any of the cabinets at this time.

I wouldnt do anything to the cabinets. They are fine just the way they are. The big problem is there is way too much clutter on the counters. Remove it all and then selectively replace a few things, that are necessary.. Pick an accent color for art work, and other accessories. It looks too cluttered and a bit boring right now, but painting the cabinets isnt your answer. A backsplash would be a nice addition.