If your looking at Ikea, also check out www.BOCONCEPT.US..for inspiration..there is an entertainment base cabinet called Volani..shown in a flier I have..Its in white..they use natural open shelving..this LOOK could work in your kitchen..Good Luck!

How bout a little half wall to the left to divide kitchen/livingspace but still keep the space open, then also using bamboo from on top of half wall you put up; have bamboo go up to the ceiling.? Look in ideabooks I think i have a picture of somthing like what I am talking about in my idea book. It would go with the dark floors. (just a thought).

paint lower cabinets black or dark brown. upper cabinets should be off white with opague doors. Make unit ultra modern. Color on wall should be blue or if you are daring maybe bright green. Use very modern stainless appliances on counters. could also add stencils to existing backsplash or splurge and replace exisiting backsplash with mixed glass and stone tiles.

I was thinking? (always thnking. ) What about a curtain divider? This way you could kind of distract from kitchen if you wanted too at times. I would repaint the kitchen, and above stove I would add those tin tiles, for a backsplash. They come in variations of color and design and would match stainless steel appliances and I do not think they would cost much.