Can you paint the walls.

I would like to but not sure what to do. Just don't want to paint the cabinets. They are maple with a black glaze.

Can you try under lighting?

Inexpensive undercabinet lighting....you can get the light roping strips at the big box stores...it will make a huge difference.

I'd also de clutter....take all the things off top of cabinetry...while it won't add light per se,it will add to a " lighter" cleaner look.

My undercounter lighting works wonders!! Worth the price!!

Oh and yes paint walls lighter color...

I have undercounted lighting already. It just doesn't lighten it up very much.

I think you need to lighten up the room with paint. Post a better picture

Just paint the soffit a lighter color- That is the space above your cabinets where your display area is. A lighter color will also make them "pop" instead of compete with the dark paint that is there now.

Hi Molly -what about recessed lighting in the ceiling? The kitchen looks lovely - and if you already have undermount lighting, perhaps you could switch out the bulbs for brighter ones (you would have to make sure your wiring is set up for higher wattage) but recessed lighting and perhaps a couple different switches to control different areas (or a dimmer) would help. Plus this type of lighting is really pretty.

Definitely recessed lights above the soffits would help...

A lot of people do not know this but you can really brighten up your space by getting rid of those very dark furniture pieces and by some lighter color pieces. Also your decor should be light as well with a little dark color for contrast.

You have some lovely things, but too many of them. I see your crockpot out. Does that mean you are short on storage? I think a nice light color on the walls would be nice. Your lamps seem dated as does the tablecloth. Are the books for show or do you really read in your kitchen? The ceramic pots are pretty. They are worth showing off, but ditch the fake lemons or apples in glass. They are just dust catchers. You will be surprised once you start paring down, you won't miss the clutter.

molly, would you consider taking everything away (all decorations, pots) and living with it (bare look) for 2 days? If the kitchen still seems dark, you can consider a lighter paint. The picture you posted doesn't show how much of wall space you have. If you click some more pics and post them, the houzzers can help you pick a paint color

never mind I do see the adjoining walls in the pics you posted. How about a light beige paint color to match your back splash tile?

Under cabinet lighting, plus rope lighting above the cabinets will make a big difference. Solar tube skylights can bring the natural light in as well. I belive you can never have to many lighting choices. Pendant lighting over the island could be an option if it doesn't make the space smaller than it already is. The darker finishes make for a warm and inviting kitchen and dining.

Cheapest fix is to declutter, removing all the dark toned items, and then using only the lightest decor you have when you put things out. Second cheapest is paint for the dark wall. Your cabs will look better with a lighter background.

Yup, lighten up on the accessories and fabrics. Then paint the walls a lighter color. In, a smallish, dark space, if you don't actually use it at least weekly, donate it, box it or sell it.

Any suggestions on paint color? Would Gray Owl, Revere Pewter or Tyler Gray possibly work as to not clash with my living room? My living room color is Valspar Coastal Villa.

Or repaint the drawer the lamps are on to cream or white and change the chargers to match.