I like the idea about a softer yellow, removing the scallop, and installing a new backsplash. Perhaps the owner would allow you to do a glass tile backsplash if it were a neutral gray and white. Re the floor: I had an old dark wood-toned vinyl floor in a rental once. I spilled ammonia on it and found out it was not dark at all! So I continued by dipping a rag in ammonia, soaking an area, and then scraping off the old wax build-up. Voila - clean new light oak vinyl! Try it. Keep your toddler out, wear a mask, and open a window. Update the valance with a modern print. Finally - you need some storage. A rolling island, a baker's rack, or a bench with a lifting lid [can't tell what will fit] could help with putting away the clutter from your counters. Especially lose the can bag! A recycling unit in the garage would be ideal.

I agree, ask if you can paint the walls a softer yellow. Back splash?, try using removable book vinyl. I love the stuff. I use it in all sorts of ways. Also can use a product that simulates steel and is just self stick shelf paper. Use one of the two and voila: Removable back splash.

{cont.} then come in from about 1/3 of the way from each side of the single panel& using 2" wide grossgrain ribbon gather the fabric up from the bottom & looping each of the 2 strips of ribbon over the top of the rod in both areas & then tie them in a knot or a bow at the bottom of the fabric panel in both places & viola you have updated the look, so that it is still in style w/your cabinets, but a bit more updated. Hope I've helped. Not so sure about the rug idea somebody had, as your dishwasher is mobile & the rugs may get in the way of that function, just depends if you want to be bothered w/moving the rugs from time to time? Tho I may would consider a rubber or spongy decorative mat for in front of the stove, if you spend alot of time there.

You hve alot of items on your counters, so really there isn't alot of the backspalah that is showing. What may be jaring to you is the sharp contrast between the sooo bright yellow wall color & the white of the cabinets & backsplash. It almost seems that the drastic difference in color is choping the room in half. I think yellow is a good color for the walls & the blue in the floor pattern, that you can't change. JUST NOT that yellow, it's much too harsh for the white cabinets. With permission try a much lighter softer yellow. One that has ever so slight gold undertones, so it doesn't look like lemons. Replace the window topper by using a staight piece of yellow & blue toile about 21/2 ft. wide turning it under 1/4" on all 4 sides & pressing w/iron, then either sew a straight seam, or using hem tape apply & press to create seams. Repeat these steps for the hem & also for the portion that you turn down to create a rod pocket for your existing rod. {cont.}

Metal flashing as a backsplash would add some shine. You can spray the vent hood in a matte metallic too. If the floor has enough gray in the blue you could paint the yellow wall a soft blue-gray.See about removing the scalloped piece under the overhead cabinet to update the feel a bit. Stainless small appliances and cannisters would keep the look going. How about a metal rolling cart for the center or a small metal work/breakfast table and two metal chairs?