Use the existing pole for your liner and then get an extension type pole with the rubber ends (no drilling) to put further on the outside to cover the tiles. Maybe do the shower curtain itself in ...

I agree that the cabinets aren't the problem - it's the brick(?) wall covering. Lighten it up - maybe white (or a light grey that speaks to color of the granite).

Use a drawer from an old dresser (from a deep dresser and sturdy drawer too). Remove the handles and flip it on its side (its front face becomes the top part of the bench). Put some baskets on th...