I think your benchtop material choice really depends on how both you and your husband live and what level of natural wear you are comfortable with showing. Natural wood benchtops to me are very similar to natural stone or stainless steel. The surfaces will naturally age and show use, scratches and imperfections much more than say a caesarstone if it's a high use area but some people love that look and it goes well with an industrial or natural style. My wife and I thought long and hard about it but realised we want the benchtop to look as new and clean each time as possible so opted back for caeserstone (Ocean Foam) which hid small stains and dust :)

Matt two pac is excellent but dearer than straight laminate. With two pac you can easily wipe away fingerprints - much harder on straight laminate to remove.

I think everyone is basically on the same page here. Basically, this is a good kitchen which needs nothing done to it, unless you're going to live there and it's currently not to your taste. Yes, you can lighten it up by changing the splashback - it is rather brown (and I'm not a fan of brown) - but it is a perfectly 'servicable' kitchen. If you're selling then talk to a professional designer for ideas or go to tile, decorator store - or check out current magazines, and change a few things from there. If you're selling or renting, it won't make any difference to the price. If you're going to live there, then do that - like others have said, live with it for a while until you decide what you want. I think a glass splashback in another colour would go over whatever you already have there, but the countertops look like they are ceasarstone and they are fine - and a good colour. The sinks are also fine - wish I'd chosen them instead of a double sink - it takes up a lot more space but does the same job. I can't see too much that needs changing here, so it's just about what you 'want' and noone else can tell you that. All the best with what you decide.

I would not go with any of your options. I would continue bench and overhead cupboards with appliances and sink in a U shape taking up the whole wall space. Then purchase a skinny appropriate proportioned dining table. This could also utilised as a preparation surface as well.