I'm not a pro of plants...in fact i'm the complete opposite. We live in zone 6A. For us what works is pathos, catus. You mention that hot and humid. In focusing on humidity you may look into "air plants'

If you will like to go little different than Indian / traditional one, mint green colour is in trend and goes well with brick colour walls. Looks good if you have white appliances, crockery and some other elements that are visible with it. (Sourced from google images) https://goo.gl/images/Wyu1kR

Here where the cabinets are making a l shape need some suggestion

normally the breakfast counter height varies from 36" to 42" if you want it to be perfect height select the stools for the counter first then check the height of the stool and add 12" to 15' in the height. distance between the stool seat and table top should be 12" to 15" max...