there is limited backsplash... one side of the gallery is a bank cupboards.. the side with counter top is open to family room or windows to outside deck and small return which is wall...I am thinking of keep that with white tiles ... also replacing sink with white glass double ...and new chrome fitting for taps and water filter...

I have kept my wooden cupboard doors as they are so practical, but eventually I will give in and paint them, but I will paint my bottom cupboards black and my top cupboards white. If you choose those colours then I would also paint your window frame and walls white and I would go with a black Caesarstone bench top (looks lovely) or timber benchtops which also look stylish with black, depending on your budget and preference. New taps and stainless handles will make a huge difference.

Consider changing the bench tops to a warm white/beige colour. It does still look nice with dark though so maybe a newer pattern but in the charcoal. Take down your overheads next to the rangehood and add some open shelves for an easy open and more contemporary feel. You can keep your overheads stored if you ever felt the need to put them back up down the track. When you swap out the granite take down the upstand behind the sink to open up the space and extend the width slightly to allow an extra space for bar seating. I see your dining table is close by, just check if you can nudge it further forward to accommodate this idea. Pendant lights over the new sink/bench space will help define the area further for "zoning"

Please excuse this quick dodgy recolour , but just wanted to show the difference some kind of contrast would add to the effect of the exterior. Whether it is painting the roof (because it is such a big part of the facade), rendering or painting the bricks or refinishing the windows in black or white, something to let the architectural features is the key to sprucing up the outside. I think someone mentioned adding a verandah too. That would depend on how much light already comes through the front. I can imagine one of the windows on the side being transformed into french doors leading to a lovely flagstoned garden. I love the black and white interior photos someone posted above too. anything to bring some contrast to all that mud coloured brick. What an inspiring project to have ahead of you, so many possibilities! I wish this were my little house :)))