Full kitchen photo.

It too white. I would add more red--maybe paint the blinds red. You could also paint the trim around your windows black so it would stand out. I think that's where your problem is--it's sooo white that everything blends together, and you can appreciate each individual element of the design.

Another easy way to brighten and warm up a room is with a few plants. A nice small plant that shouldn't be too heavy for your shelves would be an African violet in a small, colorful ceramic pot.

BTW, I loe your Heinz Ketchum can.

Here are some more pics of the kitchen.

I see a few little things right away. It looks like you have a red bowl on the counter in one of the photos- is that too heavy to sit on a bowl easel on one of the top shelves? Also, I see what appears to be a glass hurricane with something neutral in it- fill the hurricane up with something red- faux tomatoes perhaps...Instead of a neutral candle on the dark candle holder- switch out with a red candle. Make sure both of your shelves have about an even amount of your pop color. Now- if red is not your thing (just going off what you have) then You could do pops of apple green to keep it neutral but bright, fresh and interesting. The kitchen truly looks great- you just really need to commit to ONE pop color and carry it throughout the kitchen as well as into the open living space that connects...

Yes, that red bowl is too heavy for the shelves. Literally the shelves can hold maybe 2lbs. I am pushing it with the coffee on the left hand side. I am going to go see if maybe I can find some plastic (non cheap looking) accessories and try that.

You know the other option is to get some simple more modern style metal brackets and have a handyman add extra support. It would add great character AND reinforce the shelves..

I know the shelves need to be changed but now I am afraid of the drill holes. (also the hubby won't be impressed after having it tiled and installed) I didn't realize Ikea had changed their shelves and basically they are cardboard inside so brackets won't even help. They are also basically hung like a picture so items need to be placed near the back of the shelf.

I love this kitchen and think that with a few changes it will be beautiful. Unless you have the cash to make major changes, just add some plants and colorful (perhaps useful) objects to your shelves. I also like the idea of painting the window trim black, but I would leave the shutters the color they are (I think dark shutters will make the room too dark). Add some art, a bowl of colorful fruit, and I think you will be happier until you decide that you are ready to make major changes.

It's a brand new house and I overspent on the kitchen in granite and flooring so no it's accessories only for me! I'm going to print the picture out and try the black on paper (scary to me).

I've seen black trimmed windows, and they can be stunning. But if you are hesitant, just make the easy changes first. It really is a lovely kitchen.

Paining the shelves black and only add a few small items that all match. Maybe place battery operated potlights under each. Add a long runner along the front of the counter and something large and decorative on the island. Between couch and island you could add a fake cow hide.

What do you think?

You know Angela.. You did a pretty great job! Now just be sure that your living room also has those colors throughout! Did you do the chalkboard? It looks great. You may want to swap out the yellow lea branches for fake limes so the whole monitor concept plays out more!

Sorry.. I phone typo.. I meant mojito concept!!

Ultimately, you're probably going to want to swap out the shelves for much stronger versions. Pottery Barn has the Kellen wall shelves -- they're a little industrial and 48" long. Don't know how long your lack shelves are... http://www.potterybarn.com/products/kellan-wire-storage-shelf/?pkey=e%7Cfloating%2Bshelves%7C77%7Cbest%7C0%7Cviewall%7C24%7C%7C29&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Shelves#viewLargerHeroOverlay