I have just purchased a charming old-style cottage on the Maine coast. It has been lovingly taken care of, but I would like to give it more of a contemporary cottage look. Please note that the furnishing in it are not mine, These pictures are of the previous owners furnishings.

I am attaching pictures of the current yellow kitchen. Everything is on one wall with a blank wall on the other side. I would like to remove the upper cabinets, and maybe just repaint the lower ones or add new fronts. I have been thinking of adding floor to ceiling cabinets on the blank wall and boxing in the refrigerator somehow. I love the look of Harbor Cottage as photographed by Justine Hand. I can't figure out how to attach a photo of it.

Also attached is a picture of the living/dinning room area with a doorway where you can look into the yellow kitchen. I dream of painting the entire place white, but am anxious about it. Would it be too much? Another thought is to paint the kitchen cabinets a foggy gray color and keep the walls white.

I would appreciate any ideas you all care to share. Many thanks.