Thanks all - our belongings arrive this week so I will have a go at transforming the space with what we have then search for new things to add. We have quite a bit of art with strong yellow colors and also a Tibetian Chest with yellows and greens. Thanks again!

I don't think big tiles make a room ook bigger (sometimes even the opposite). Color, light, contrasts and even texture does. Pick the tiles you really like and find a grout color that will look good with all the tiles and colors you pick.

I think this gray faux wood tile will look very nice with brown carpet. It also will look wonderful in an all white kitchen!

Will you be keeping the cork tiles on the floor? If so, make the countertop/bench top a similar color. They are both horizontal surfaces. Choose a color you like that has a bit of yellow in the base (ex: tomato red instead of crimson, or lime green rather than mint green).