I would suggest light tile flooring, Light tones that work with your counter top. I think the floor is too dark. I also darkened my cabinets with the stain that covers the existing finish. It looks way better, however It is not as nice a job as a professional could do.

I highly recommend "Miriam Killam Colour & Design" blog for guidance.

I would put a back splash that pops. Likely a blend of glass and stone, small cubes, different, contrasting colors. I have been through the same thing. I love the cabinets--neither light nor dark but just plain pretty wood with clean lines. If the center holes werent already drilled I might have changed the knobs but the ones you have may just pick up one of the eye popping cubes of your back splash and be perfect.

Here is my kitchen after I stained the cabinets, replaced the counter top, and added cabinets in the nook bump out. Please look past the clutter, this is the only pic I have available right now. I don't have a before picture available but the cabinets were a honey oak.

I see that your kitchen seems a little...anonymous. I think I'm on the same page as everyone else, but here are my thoughts. (1) If you think the cabinets are too bright, you could try toning down the varnish from semi-gloss to satin. You might be able to do that yourself. (2) I agree that you need color on the walls. Everything currently in there is a neutral, and if the wall color is the same as the rest of your house, it's not giving the kitchen any personality. What about a nice green? (3) The kitchen needs to show some of your personality. I like venetian blinds, but I think your window needs a valance or roman shades with a print, instead. Pick one interesting-looking light fixture (over either the island or the sink) instead of using only can lights. And, finally, put STUFF in it! A really cool tea kettle, hang up some adorable hand towels, your favorite pottery on top of the cabinets, heck, start a rooster collection! Just put some of yourself in the space.

Your lighting makes the space seem harsh. The undercabinet lights are great, but I see a lot of glare on the countertops & on the face of the cabinets due to improper placement of the can lights. If you can, consult a good lighting store, not a big box, to adjust the spacing, types, & bulbs to get a more balanced look. Painting the island, simple window treatments, & carefully thought out accessories would give you the beautiful , & comfortable space you are looking for.

I think your kitchen redo is really nice but if you really think something is missing here are a few suggestions. If changing the color of the cabinets is not in your budget try changing the cabinet pulls. Also, add a few small accessories with a bold color to make it pop, like a nice vase or fruit bowl in your favorite color. Then coordinate the window dressing with that.

An easy way to bring in some green would be with a plant or two. Plants work magic in impersonal spaces and you can move them around when you change your mind. Love the cherry with the stainless. Looks amazing!

Mexicobride...i am not a designer but you mention in an earlier post that you havent done anything in the rooms adjacent to your kitchen. I agree that you need to change your window treatment. Whether you put a valance or roman shade, i would find a fabric that has colors that you would be willing to use in the adjacent rooms. I'm just wondering if your kitchen is coming off to you as over powerful because your other rooms havent been started?

Sheryl040-I do agree that I need to work on the other rooms to "tone" down the kitchen. I was just having a really hard time picking a color for the living room. I really wanted blue and taupe but I wasn't loving those colors with the kitchen. My original thoughts were to fix what I don't like in the kitchen to help direct me in the color. Deep reds and yellow seem to work best in the kitchen, so I may save those colors for the main rooms and get the blues I want in my bedroom.

Others have mentioned changing the backslash, unfortunately that's not an option. I wanted to go pretty neutral for that, so it wouldn't get outdated too quickly. And my husband my kill me if I ask to change that :)

I do like the suggestion for a lighter tile floor, but I was afraid of how hard that would be to clean. Which is why I wanted to go with wood, to me it is easier to maintain on a daily basis . because I despise cleaning grout, we had to do that in our last house.

Thanks for all the great suggestions, this gives a lot to think about. I see many trips to the local hardware store, where they already know me by name!

I'm wondering if you have paint leftover from your kitchen? What about picking up some paint samples and painting swatches on a wall and trying different colors. You can repaint it back later after you've had a chance to live with the colors a few days (or weeks lol). Something you think may not work, might end up being ok in the end.

I'm thinking this may help pick living room colors

For a small inexpensive change I'd mix up the hardware a bit. Keep knobs on the cabinets and maybe bars on the drawers. I think it adds dimension if things are not so matchy-matchy.

instead of painting on the walls, get at least 4 pieces of good sized core-board (3'x3') for each color..OK, maybe you can get by w/ just 2. Paint them and put them into the corners, and move them around the room...then you can see how light changes in the appearance of the color in various locations. You can then also move them into the adjacent rooms to see how different colors read from one room to the next. Small swatches won't give you a true read of the color and its undertones.

Another suggestion would be to walk around your house and find items in different colors to place in your kitchen. Maybe a throw pillow, different coffee cups or even go into your closet.....this is cost free! (Lol)

My initial reaction is to change the cabinet hardware to something dark. The knobs really pop and draw my attention.

sheryl040-how does your suggestion address the concern expressed about the color of one room working with another-the flow of color throughout?

Dear Mexicobride: NO Burgandy! You need to go the other way. Your cabinets ARE beautiful! I would definitely just change the hardware - to another finish to add a richer look to the room - calm down the constrasts. I know this sounds cheesy - BUT - in the new Pottery Barn Catalogue - there ARE some beautiful cordless window shades - and the do come in any fabric you desire - I like the natural fiber ones - but that is me - LESS is more! YES - do paint your island - have a professional refinish this for you - what about a contrasting soft grey-blue color? Or a soft green-gray? Hardware in an OIL-RUBBED Bronze finish? You can actually get the cordless shades from Home Depot! You can order custom ones for your window(s). And here is what I think is missing . . . softer lighting! You should add some direct hanging lights over your island, and then install softer TASK lighting around the room - above the stove? Around the sinks. As to the color - what about a SOFT-Light Tuscan Gold for your walls? Nothing dark - nothing tan or beige. What you have chosen is lovely - and stunning. just some little tweeks - an interesting lamp or two in the kitchen with lovely fabric shades? I would really suggest you just leave the cabinets - they are very nice. What you have chosen is great - just consider some of the suggestion here - and it will be YOUR kitchen.

Have you looked at some of the lovely kitchen color palettes suggested at the front of this site Under Kitchens? Might help.

The knobs really stand out in the pictures. I'd go with an oil-rubbed bronze or a matte black knob to tone it down. I agree that you need to infuse the space with some of your own personality. Fruit and bottles don't tell us what is unique about you and your family. How about displaying some cookbooks? Do you collect anything? How about something career-related that is humorous? I once put a 16-inch garden gnome done in a turquoise crackle glaze in my kitchen for spring. Don't be afraid to be different and think outside the box. I would stay away from a collection of lots of small things and go for one big thing that makes a vivid statement. Something that you love looking at, and then work your colors from it. If you are afraid to go bold, you might try a collection of apothecary jars and change what's in them for the season.

Samattes.....i was thinking that she needs to see different colors in her kitchen. Lets say by draping a blue shirt over the top of her blinds,that she could see that color with her cabinets. I'm assuming that most people have items in their home with colors that they like. It didn't appear that the other rooms were the problem. The problem seemed to be to pick a color that would work in her kitchen, so that she could then move on. She has major cherry and major beige and it seems to me that she needs a pop of color. This is the first thing that i'd try as its not as expensive as messing with the cabinets......again i'm not a decorator, this is just my opinion as someone who always has to figure out how to accomplish my decorating cheaply.

I agree with many of the posts here. Your kitchen is great. It just needs some personal touches like window treatment and something on the island. Handle pulls rather than knobs would make more of a statement. I would also suggest a great looking pendant hanging above the island ... something that makes a statement. I wouldn't touch the cabinets as a real wood look always looks better than a painted look.

Mexicobride, what's missing are those personal touches and pops of color. I sense you are in "remodel" mode - and it may help to live with your gorgeous kitchen for a few months rather than to jump in and irrevocably alter those cabinets - a move that will be really hard to change later. I too had a "cherry forest" kitchen that I thought was way too dark. The idea of lighter flooring is a good one - we went with maple and while I was initially scared of light, hardwood flooring, it's been a wonderful choice - after living with it for 5 years. It's easy to clean and brightens the space. The ideas of pops of color is a good one - and considering one or two glass-front doors. I was totally against them because I didn't want clutter to show - but they've added interest, lightened the look, and kept me neater! We also went with copper accents for the hardware - you can totally change the look with hardware. Also, if you bulk up the top cabinet molding and considering adding lighting up there - rope lighting hides beautifully in a deeper molding - it'll lighten the entire look. Step back, take a deep breath, and enjoy - you have a really pretty space. See how some of those ideas have worked in our kitchen.

All of the great suggestions keep coming! I will look into hardware this weekend. I am going to buy a few samples and see what works best. I am not loving the burgandy either, so I will try out some other colors. Thanks again for all the great advice!

Kitchen looks great. Change the cabinet hardware. And done.

I would like to caution you against wood floors in a kitchen. We have had two leaks on our hardwood kitchen floor. Once from our Sub Zero refrigerator and then three weeks later from our ice maker. It was very expensive to have both repairs done. Luckily after repairing the first leak, we did not stain the wood (we had to have the continuous wood floor from our kitchen, family room, entry and dining room sanded for the first repair). When the second leak happened we were able to fix the warped boards easily because there was no stain to match.

There are lovely vinyl hardwood patterns available. When we redo our kitchen we will be adding tile.

It's not following the course of the conversation, but tatumuk, two leaks is not likely a coincidence. I suspect that your waterline or connections were faulty. If they are correct, it not likely to leak.

As a Kitchen designer, I would also recommend adding a more substantial crown, light rail to conceal the undercabinet lights, trim out the posts.
Before you make an expensive mistake, why don't you consult an interior designer?
I'm sure you could find a designer for a reasonable fee to answer most of your burning question.

Not like you need any more comments, but . . . I support wood floors in the kitchen; mine were beautiful.

Your cabinets and other surfaces are gorgeous! Don't stain them yet; live with them awhile. Work on another room! Without renovating anything, you could remove a door or two on the cabinets and display some pretty serving dishes. Try a bright, light, contrasting color on the inside of the open cabinet.

I once saw cherry cabinets in a display with a turquoise countertop. It was stunning! (I wouldn't do such a bold countertop, but the color choice was wonderful.) Maybe a light aquamarine for an accent color?

I think it would be great to try new hardware, and I like the idea of painting some core-board with the colors you'd like to experiment with instead of painting the walls.

If I read it right, one of the backsplash critics just thought you needed a little more of it, not changing it (it's fabulous!). Reread that comment; it seemed like a good point.

After you live with it awhile, you'll come to see what you can keep and what must change. I agree with everybody else that some fabric, some personal touches, and oil-rubbed bronze hardware (don't be afraid to mix it with the stainless) could make a big difference. A wee bit of artwork? A calendar with some sticky notes attached? Let it be obvious that people live there!

I can't tell if there's something wrong with the lighting or if it's the unfortunate problem of amateur photography. If the undercounter lighting is not too glaring, or if the room doesn't feel dark when you're in it, this is more of a photography problem than an actual problem. Take your time. It's going to be a wonderful kitchen!

You really need to renovate your backsplash as well as use kitchen wall tiles and cabinet of different colour may be sky blue that give different look you can try http://www.gharbuilder.com/kitchen-design.php here are so many ideas and pics that you can see .....

I had similar kitchen cabinets and after I updated my kitchen, I no longer wanted to sell. What we did is the granite counter tops; but, I changed the handles on the cabinets to long stainless steel ones for a more modern look and put a modern looking stainless steel hood above the range top. One of the contributors above, Vikrant Homez actually posted a picture with one although he was talking to you about paint color. You would have to put your microwave some place else; but it really gave the kitchen the wow factor. If you could do this, I am sure you would not be disappointed. My 30 something son liked it so well he did it to his kitchen too. It takes the kitchen from hohum to amazing. I also put up a new light fixture that had stainless and white over the kitchen table and used black leather parsons chairs I ordered from Carrington Direct (quality)- they deliver anywhere in the US and they are made in North Carolina.

I love the cabinet color. Would not paint white. The painted white cabinets have a tendency to show dirt and stains. Will need constant upkeep. I know I lived in a house for a while with even factory made. I love my dark cabinets because the upkeep is less. I do think taking down the shades would be a good idea. I dont even have curtains in my kitchen; I like the view and the light.

I think you need a substantial drawer pull here such as the one pictured in the thread above. I think that will give you the "pulling together" that you are searching for. Maybe also some pendant lights over the island? Just a thought. good luck!

Thanks for the comment Christina Battle. I took some of the door pulls off and they have damaged the cabinets. So either I need to figure out how to fix this to go to a different pull, or find a pull that has the same footprint. So back to the drawing board to figure this out.

some pulls can be mounted on a plate, so that the holes diff. width of pulls can be covered. That can save a lot of $$ and aggravation.

some pulls can be mounted on a plate, so that the holes diff. width of pulls can be covered. That can save a lot of $$ and aggravation.

You asked about blues and greens, those are just exactly on the opposite side of the color wheel from the red tones in your wood, so perfect for a contrast. Pick your fabrics, accessories, maybe even a rug in those tones.

Wow! So many suggestions (too many for me to read all of them.) But one thing stood out as I looked at your photos: the woodwork and ceiling color. I would paint both a dark color - black, brown or charcoal. I think this would tone down the cabinets considerably. And I like the idea of changing the cabinet hardware to something you really love. Good luck!

If you have messed up the cabinets taking off the pulls - a professional or a friend OR you, could fix this with wood putty and then a staining "pen" - also available at where you purchased your cabinets or any "wood" product store which sells them. This IS what the provessionals do.

Just an aside - I have beautiful wooden floors in my kitchen and we have never had an issue. They are eaiser on the back, but if you don't want wood - try purchasing a custom pad for in front of your work areas - if you spend time cooking etc. These are usually found in high end cabinet and kitchen decor stores. They come in any size any color - and make all the difference in the world.

Keep us posted.

Paint the walls sort of a medium terra cotta. Check several shades against your cabinets to make sure you pick one that works just right. We've got dark cherry cabinets, dark cherry wood stained floors with terracotta walls, stainless apps and sort of a concrete gray countertops, and tumbled gray tile backsplash. It is surprising how nice the color pulls up the wood tones on the cabinets. (Ignore the display of foodstuff on the counter, this pic was taken to show someone who sent us bunch of stuff to share with friends, and we wanted to let them see it got here.) The whole first floor of our house is open concept, and while the main portion has gray walls with white wainscotting, we knew we wanted the kitchen area to convey warmth.

one more picture (sorry but it is my FB pic) Ignore me and look at the Kitchen color apparent in the background!

Uhoh_busted- thanks for the suggestion, your kitchen is beautiful! I need to get some samples to see what I like.

Thank you to everyone for the advice, I think the renovations havent fully set in yet. Parts of me wishes I wou have picked a lighter granite, so I am having a hard time finishing the look. I plan to sit on it for a few weeks, buy some sample hardware, paint samples, and different color accessories, and see how I feel then. Thanks again!!!

Your kitchen is beautiful and a wonderful back drop for some interesting, colorful accessories, not clutter. Don't underestimate the impact of interesting pulls. I have a very similar kitchen; cherry, stainless, oiled bronze pulls. You need the texture of a colorful, fabric treatment, perhaps even a cornice, but stay away from grasses. You need color (jewel tones to compete with the intensity of cabinetry). I have some interesting accessories on my counter; a bold mossy green resin pear, a smart, black and oil bronze lamp adds to atmosphere. I always chose 2 companion prints and hung them on the tile back splash-a great look and another opportunity for color. I would veto the hardwood floors. They are better with light, painted or glazed cabinets. I think you will regret altering your cabinetry; you are likely just weary of them. Accessories and pulls, window treatments are all you need. At least try it and if you're still unhappy, go for the more drastic changes.

How about some lighting? I love the look of pool table lighting. Drop done character lighting would do everything you are looking for without changing a thing!
http://www.google.ca/search?q=lighting+pool+table&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari#biv=i|5;d|06yBdRO4NuN2gM:
Google some pool table lights to get an idea of what you might like.

Hello all! Thank you so much for the inspiration and suggestions. After a year and a half I finally took the plunge to refinish our cabinets. While we still need to install new floors, get some new lighting, add some window treatments, I think it has come a long way and I just couldn't wait any longer to show all of you! Thanks again!

And one a few more for fun, I also refinished out oak banister.

Huge improvement looks fabulous! I have cherry "stained" cabinets (I did not install) and I absolutely hate them!!!

It is between the cabinets or the counter top/back splash...they are at war!

So, if toning down the cabinets is cheaper than redoing the counter tops & backsplash, do that. Find an overlay finish that will work with the undertones of the counters and go from there. Then pick up one of the other shades on the counter for the wall paint. Good luck!

Thank you Samattes! I don't have the budget to do anything but paint the walls right now. I live in a condo and everything is builders grade circa 1998. The counter tops are Giallo Veneziano (which I hate more than the cabinets) and the floors are orangey/yellow maple! To add insult to injury...the kitchen is open to the living room!

I always like 'food' colours in a kitchen so I'd go for something like toffee/caramel, etc, something that complements the tone of your cupboards whilst giving you an indulgent feel. I know it's very literal but it helps. My entire house is painted caramel sand 3 but the kitchen is shade 4, which has more caramel and it works for me in every major renovation. Check the colour swatch of your current colour and go a shade up or down, it won't clash with the rest of the house that way.
A Roman/fabric blind in the colours you want to tie in will help. Perhaps the lighting could change to bulbs that are more natural.
The kitchen looks fine, don't do anything else major before your floors. Reassess thereafter.