I would re post the dilemma calling them units as I think you will get more responses then! In terms of colour you have fairly free rein. There's a very useful facility on Sherwin Williams website where you can paint colours on to photos. I think you have to be on a computer though. Look at the colours in lots of different lights and live with large areas painted as samples to help you get a feeling for them.

I want to paint my kitchen walls inclusive of where the presses are so the wall with the window and the wall to the right. The island is a sage colour. I am thinking a very light heather colour so the kitchen will tie in with the living room (pic2) & get a rug for under the finish table to link the two. Any opinions?

Maybe try putting shelves to cover the neck of the extractor fan and filling it with spices and oils

You should probably think of the floor covering in the overall plan as a light colour or dark colour may have an impact on whether you choose a light or dark colour for the worktop. Two different worktops, one on the island and one on the rest of the units might look well too. I like timber for an island but only if you don't need the worktop to be heat resistant and it's not near the sink. We've picked a dark grey for our island and will probably choose an off white worktop with a vein in it to contrast with it. Good luck with your decisions!