Changing the splashback to a lighter colour will definitely brighten up your kitchen. If you decide to stick to the canopy rangehood you can add doors to the open shelving cabinets. Another suggestion is to either change the overhead cabinets to a contrasting colour such as white you can keep the carcasses to be less costly and just change the doors but keep in mind that the side scribes and top scribe will stay dark if you do it this way. Also think about using bright accessories instead of the White you currently have in the open shelves, this will give you an instant change at a low cost

Wilson Art also have a range of matte anti-fingerprint laminates. I just discovered them through my cabinetmaker. Not sure of price but I believe these laminates (and those of Laminex Industries) are in their 'premium' range. I, too, am curious to know how cost compares to other laminates and even 2 pac

Trying to match whites is super hard and tricky business. I recommend not matching with the top (as it is stunning, let it stand out) So that leaves matching to the walls... polar or natural will do the trick. As the bench will catch the light differently, you can get away with having whites next to each other. Even each individual painted wall looks like a slightly different colour when you view the whole room as one, let light be your friend here.

thanks oklouise for your input. Plan is pretty much finalised. Area/ alcove beside Bathroom will be for dumping shoes, bags etc, and the entrance to kitchen on that side is closest access from carport for groceries, and probably our personal access without stairs. The other kitchen hallway near Bed 3 will be the main access for guests to bed2 and 3 and bathroom. Yes our cooker is a big present to ourselves, we are both big cooks ( one chef), so question is.... can we get away with a cheaper cabinet style ?