I agree with jbantick - it's actually fine - though if you've got concrete ceilings downlights wont work. See if you can run some LED strip lights under the overhead cabinets - they're great for task lighting and adding atmosphere of an evening - just get them to put the switch as a separate switch on the gang plate. I'd be tempted to go with white shutters or large blade blinds. I'd definitely be changing the window trims (to a warm white) and if you're determined to look at changing the walls I'd think about looking at half tint of the colour that's there now or in a slightly more malted tint. Deluxe have some great colours and if you're leaning towards lighter colours (including white) - just make sure to check the colours with paint pot testers on a large piece of cardboard and use white paper under/beside it when comparing colours, also make sure that you see the samples in all lights and at several times during the day as the colours can drastically change. Your floor tiles are lovely, I wouldn't cover them up with vinyl floorboards. The tiles are super easy to clean (if you've not got one already, invest in a steam cleaner - they'll keep your tiles looking amazing and they don't use chemicals).

I've seen a few sliders painted with blackboard paint - they're so fun and mobile, if there's a hall door somewhere it might be an option as they muffle sound rather than seal it out. KRAKEN WHALE FIGHT! If it's childlike dreams you want to be added to the house, maybe do a kiddy-height connecting door between the kids' rooms or a little message chute they can send back and forth, pigeon holes to send letters to each other or some crazy options like your hidden door in a more public area like the front entertaining space. There are so many ways to add whimsy that can be fixed up and removed later on if yall need. If the kids are smol: Kids only door or Door in a door There's an amazing episode of Grand Designs with a couple of superfun ideas Scooby Doo House that made me realise hidden doors and revolving shelves are better for playrooms than bedrooms.

I like the colours you’ve suggested. I find neutrals restful. Do you have a sample of your cabinetry? An easy way to get a coordinated look, without whites clashing, is to have the white colour matched at the paint shop to the cabinetry. The colour match will tell you if White Beach is on the right track. I’d consider a more plainer white for the trim ie Natural White as suggested above or Berkshire White. For your splashback - could the budget stretch to the benchtop material? If not a tile colour that picks up one of the benchtop fleck colours will give you a coordinated look. Sounds lovely. Come back and post the completed pics.

I swap out rugs according to the season. This is my summer jute rug. It adds texture, ties in to the rock wall behind it and the warm natural tone works with the rust and cream cushions. At some point the grey couch will go for a warmer tone but I think it works pretty well together. The other rug is a distressed silvery with muted patterns in rust and blue. This works well with the couch and cushions and I lean blue artwork or ceramics on the shelf to tie in with it. Mixing up the rugs & decor keeps me from getting bored and helps mark the change in seasons ( also prompts a spring clean!)