Some possibilities that are not too pricey is to choose a brighter wall color. Another option is to change the backsplash and or paint the cabinets.

You would be surprised on how much that can change the look and feel of the space.

Good Luck!

Home Design Consulting

Thank you. We just moved in six months ago, and we painted shortly after. Maybe I chose the wrong color? We have two small kids and a dog. Would a rug under the table be crazy? Any suggestions for art on the wall?

I agree, a brighter color for the walls, Happy Yellow, vibrant green for xample. Rug under table and at sink big bright art piece above table, if you need to keep the table, consider painting it.?

Man it looks like maybe I choose the wrong wall color. Well, that's done for now. I'll keep my eye out on a rug for under the table and a art piece. The table is a hand me down, and I don't think my husband would be thrilled if I painted it. That is a separate topic.

How about a very large mirror to fill the wall behind the table, it would bounce light around and make the space look bigger. Try dry-brushing the table with thinned white stain to lighten it up.

I know you don't want to repaint but maybe you would consider painting the area below the chair-rail all white? White would brighten up the space. I also like the idea of a mirror or cheerful painting. I would also put in a lower hanging light such as in the pictures below.

I agree with the above poster. Paint below the chair rail all white, this should lighten up the place a bit more and a lower hanging light fixture is a must. With white bulbs.

Go with a white bowl on the table instead of the one on there now.

Large art above the table that has a light background should brighten the area and bring a focal point to the room.

I just painted my dark table white for the base and gray for the top. White chairs. I used Annie sloan paint which you don't have to sand before.

The floor tile in the photo takes on a yellowish cast along with the granite countertops. I hope that's not the real color. I'd try real hard not to paint Cherrywood Cabinets-I could not afford them or I would have had cherrywood. The lighting makes a big difference too. a owner/builder background. homeowner in Nevada

Nikki, have you considered wallpaper or contact paper for things like filling in the panels beneath the chair rail, or decorating the appliances? There's zillions of kinds of wallpapers, etc., nowadays--some can be painted and/or removed from the surface when desired, there are cut-outs in the shape of trees, animals, inspirational words, etc. You might even choose the artwork for the wall first, then select a coordinating wallpaper or paint color for the trimwork. I wish you luck.

Hi nikki, the kitchen looks great. As for the dining area, consider changing the lighting fixture to a drop chandelier. An artwork or a framed mirror would also go well in that space. Good luck!

Hi---well two things I noticed right away---the refrigerator sticking out too far; counter-depth is a "must have" for a galley kitchen, the other is the slope/stair wall---looks like a head banger for sure-ouch. As for paint pick up color charts BM-Shaker Beige and Lenox Tan-also Tamarind and Bittersweet Stem by Sherwin Williams. Add a nice chandelier-one that you can swag away from the slope, a mirror or LARGE art, and consider changing the refrigerator to a counter-depth. Sorry-but it's tight in there. I would not add a rug (why break up space and make the room look smaller)? Hope this is helpful... pics-wall color and light... Good Luck!
[houzz=][houzz=]

Thank you everyone, so much! Joan, the floor tiles are kind of dirt colored with a fleur de lis- ish pattern in between (not my style), but the lighting in here makes everything look yellow. Definitely going to do the drop chandelier eventually, thinking a drum shade. I have a large, heavy framed mirror that would probably look good. Need help to hang it. Never thought about the fridge sticking out too far. The sloped wall-- it's the underside of the stairs leading to a finished attic. Not much we can do there besides stay away. Still somewhat interested in a rug to bring in a bit of color and not have those old chairs drag on the tiles.

With 2 small children and a dog, consider an indoor/outdoor rug. I have seen some outdoor rugs I thought would work great indoors. I think lighting would make a world of difference too.

Here are some visuals for you Nikki... Keep us updated with your progress. :)[houzz=][houzz=][houzz=][houzz=][houzz=]

When you have such warmth in the cabinets and flooring...why gray? the color needs to be on the warm side to compliment the other elements. I like the idea of a large colorful piece of art...but in warm tones...for instance, an oversized Sunflower...at the end would bring some life and punch to the room immediately...or an animal like a tiger's face! Creating some interest so when you walk into this long and narrow room you actually want to be there!

I also think you should take down the moldings!

We painted the area below the chair rail bright white and yellow above. The table in the picture is walnut.

Try a jazzy table cloth. If your children are beyond the pull the cloth off the table phase but still a bit messy, try a cheerful "oil" cloth that can be purchased from JoAnn fabric. It will add color and it is easy to wipe clean. I like the idea of adding a large picture - one that brings a smile to your face in the morning.

Take the revamp in stages.

Best wishes.

Thank you, everyone! I have read every suggestion carefully. I have been "shopping my house" to see what I can do. A priority is a new light fixture above the table, but I'll have to save up a bit for that. Some great artwork on that wall will look nice. Thanks again.

About that sloped wall--if it can't be used for practical purposes, think of it as your opportunity to do something really off-the-wall (pun intended). A French-cafe pattern wallpaper or mural or some kind of handpainted design or decoupage, perhaps. Those wouldn't take up any more space from the room, and could add a touch of whimsy to your kitchen. You might even place a couple of small display shelves in the top of the corner between the sloped wall and the wall directly behind the table.

You can turn this negative into a positive. This is your chance to show off your personal style without having to worry too much about practicality ;) And if you don't mind me saying so, nothing warms up a room like RED :)