I would paint the cabinets white and the wall a pretty soft green color (not quite a seafoam green but not as dark as olive either). Leaving the floor, fixtures and countertops the same would be beautiful!!

How about repainting the cabinets a soft brownish greytone (light driftwood color). Paint the beams a similar tone and leave ceiling white if you want beams to pop some. Otherwise white on white is just as bright. Install some leaf print curtains. Hang a large tropical print on wall next to table window , small grouping near doorway. Love the floors. I love a nature inspired rooms with brown, greens, blues. Good luck with whatever you do!

I agree with cwjwild, lighten up the cabinets by painting them a nice white color. I would also consider getting a light colored trestle table in a salvaged wood similar to this:
http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1596003&categoryId=cat1653016
http://www.davidiatesta.com/severn-trestle-table

Good luck!

Well....unlike most of the kitchen pics we see here on Houzz, you have no clutter at all! I, too, would paint the cabinets white, but I also think you could bring in some color with accessories That doesn't mean go crazy, but a bright red cookie jar or even a breadbox would help. On the island, I would put a very pretty bowl, filled with red apples and oranges.

It looks like your cabinets are in very good shape, so I probably wouldn't paint them, but lighten up the kitchen by switching out the table and chairs or even just slipcovering the leather chairs and adding chair cushions on the wood chairs. I'm not sure of your personal style but I have a feeling your transitional so simple white twill or linen would be nice but you could also go with a bold pattern from your local fabric store (I'm thinking orange & white).

For some texture add a rug under the table.

You need stools to hide the front of your island, and I'd invest some money in something that you'd want to have for a long time. Go modern, industrial, or classic like Tolix Marais, Era Barstool in Red, Green, or White, or Series 7 Barstool, all from Design Within Reach.

Put some nice white plates, cups, and saucers in the glass front cabinets, and invest in some cool canisters for the countertop. A mirror, maybe something antique and metal would be a bit unexpected and look for art at antiques shop OR a cool poster from Felt & Wire Shop (feltandwireshop.com) and invest in framing.

Good luck!

Painting the cabinets a creamy white is a good option. Rustoleum has a product that many people are very happy with. But painting is a lot of work so, I would suggest an area rug as others have suggested and slip covered chairs for now. An indoor/outdoor rug is a good option in terms of practicality. And slipcovers can be made or purchased relatively inexpensively. To save a little money, I'd also think about lime or white washing the dining table to lighten in up a bit. If you find that doesn't have the effect you're looking for then you can address the cabinets.



As time and budget allow, you could also look into some pendant lighting over your island.

I'm interested in knowing if you inherited the kitchen as is or if you have contributed to the result. I ask that because I wouldn't want to suggest anything that would replace something you have already addressed.

I love the idea of the lighter cabinets, especially the soft grey/taupe. I also love the idea of doing the island in a different color. You already have the hi-hat lights in the ceiling, and your ceiling's beams don't quite match up with table placement and the island, but I would suggest some fixtures over both table and island. Sometimes lighting alone can add softness to a space. Don't be aftraid of a little bling here! A cool backsplash might be a great way to bring in a little color - even if it's just a few accent tiles among a neutral ground. The slip covered chairs are charming, but might not be totally practical if you've got little people. I do like your current arrangement of the end chairs being different than the side chairs, but I'm not sure about leather in the kitchen. Depending on the finish of the cabinets, you could keep your current table and side chairs. I also don't know what kind of seats you have on the side chairs, but simple cushions could help tie all the other elements together. (Or a quick re-upholster with some fabric and a staple gun, if you have actual padded seats.)

An area rug under the table would also break up the space visually, but I would choose a flat weave so that the chairs don't get "stuck". Make sure the rug is big enough for chairs to go in and out.

Wall decor is so personal, but here goes: an oversized clock (French), a collection of menus from favorite restaurants (frame them!), chalkboard (think bistro).

Good luck - you have a beautiful space with lots of potential!

You have a great kitchen. Fresh flowers and fresh fruit on the table and island is all you need. An area rug under the table could bring in color also. This space is great...the "jewelry" is all that is left.

Thanks guys and gals! To answer a few questions, the kitchen came with the house. I've done nothing to it. Ive just moved in and plan on buying all new furniture. I love the idea of French touches throughout. Keep the great ideas coming! I will post after pics. I think the cabinets will stay as they are for a while as I am on a budget.

I would move your table away from the wall and more to the middle of that space and place a large rug beneath it. A couple of bar stools under the island and a large mirror on the bare wall near the fridge. A large vase of flowers on the table and a hurricane vase of apples, lemons even a candle and pebbles on the island. Also if that is a corner where you are standing then a floor lamp or/and some artwork.

Artwork considerations, some family pics or a collection of clocks or odd/unusual plates.

This is kind of off topic but how do you like having the hardwood in your kitchen? What kind/species do you have and would you recommend it? Thank you!;)

you can get a fantastic piece of art which can reflect, brighten and be easy to clean, its a little expensive but will look amazing, its printed on aluminum and has a very high shine. very contemporary and can be custom designed and sized for your kitchen/dining room. contact lynette@lynettejoeldesigns.com, she can do whatever you want in terms of subject, size and color her work is great.

I agree with what has been said above. I think that you should paint the cabinets light grey/white/driftwood, and switch out your dining set. Also introduce a few new accent colors!

I agree with tsudhonimh, the dark floor with the dark dining set and the dark countertop makes it all "dark". if you like your dining ste by all means keep it but add a light color rug underneath it and slip cover the chairs. All of which would reduce on expenses. I would paint the cabinets a light color, either white or cream but keep the countertop as is. A couple of bar stools would do nicely at the island, that along with the rug under the table will separate the 2 rooms.

I agree with those who are suggesting a light--possibly off white or natural light sisal--rug under the dining area. I think most dark hardwood floors, though utterly beautiful, need light colored area rugs on them to brighten the room. I think once you have done that, you won't need to paint the cabinets.

I would not paint the cabinets, once done you can't go back and yours look great as they are. Add bar stools to the bar, art work to the walls, canisters and things that you like on the counter tops, move the table away from the wall and your done. A rug sounds nice but if you have animals I don't recomend them as they are hair and smell magnets:)

The dark floor is too much. Before painting cabinets try adding color painting walls a pretty apple green color. Add a large area rug under fthe table. Also with small appliances or decor. I have similar kitchen cabinets, ounters and stainless but with an ivory tile floor.

The dark floor is too much. Before painting cabinets try adding color painting walls a pretty apple green color. Add a large area rug under fthe table. Also with small appliances or decor. I have similar kitchen cabinets, ounters and stainless but with an ivory tile floor.

Definitely paint your cabinets a creamy white. The contrast with the dark floor would be beautiful!
Then try this table with either of these chairs for a much lighter look. I would go much more colorful on the walls. A blue or a blue-green would really complement the floors.
http://discountdesignerfurnishings.com/site/product/631
http://discountdesignerfurnishings.com/site/product/232
http://discountdesignerfurnishings.com/site/product/304

Lightening the cabinets and kitchen table is a perfect option for lightening your space, but you don't have to go hog wild with the paint brush. If you lean toward an eclectic look, I would start with painting the island and maybe the desk area a creamy white....the table too for sure. Another option to lighten it up and add dimension would be to cover the island wood with wainscoting which is easy to paint. Your local hardware store will usually cut it for you if you bring the dimensions with you. To blend the table into the rest of the cabinetry, after you have finished, take a light sandpaper and rub over some of the edges on legs and edges of the table top to bring back a little of the old finish. If you feel the look is too shabby chic for you, you can always continue on and paint all of the cabinets. I would also cover the side chairs with a pre-made linnen slipcover in a light colored fabric (Ballards sells them in all colors - maybe pick an accent color you want to bring in the room - spa linen is beautiful) . Leave the leather end chairs, they will tie the dining area into the rest of the kitchen. I also like the idea of a mirror, but I would invest in a beefy long mirror and put it on the big wall opposite the island. Finally, I love the Genoveve rug that another houzzer suggested (also Ballards) but take care not to go too light or the contrast will be the first thing that draws your eye when you walk into the room. You definitely need something under your kitchen table. You could also look for a light toned patterned rug with some steely blues and browns that would tie your kitchen colors together and add some dimension. It will break up the space, but will still flow nicely. Take a look at the Catherine rug by Ballards. It fits the bill. Good luck and make sure to post the end results (and tell me - I want to see!)

You can keep your table and paint it creamy white and add a banquette style bench against the wall. Please don't get rug under your kitchen table. Even indoor-outdoor rugs need to be cleaned. By adding a fabric bench you will get enough color and pattern. Add a chandelier above your table to flank the area instead. You will thank me later. :-)

Dark table on dark floor is lost. Paint cabinets white, pick a pretty aquamarine color and fill with beautiful tropical art.

Those cabinets are just WRONG with that floor. Please listen to the majority that say paint them in a light tone. What a great space though ! Huge potential to do something very nice without a lot of cost. Super suggestions for dropped lights and perhaps a low maintenance rug. I'd cover just the end chairs in a light fabric. The rest is just window dressing with some bar stools and decorative pieces including a nice perhaps patterned table cloth, in whatever your favorite color(s) are. Cheers and have fun with your project!

For some inexpensive art I like to go to thrift shops and pick up really ugly pictures in nice frames. Just spray paint them if they need updating. You can order a poster from art.com or allposters.com or get one at some place like Hobby Lobby. Hobby Lobby will cut a mat for you and put the backing on very inexpensively. Since you are on a budget, a rug under the table would really help with those very dark floors. Lighting over the table and the island would be a nice touch. I myself would be more inclined to paint the table and chairs than to tackle those cabinets.

An inexpensive way to lighten thinks up add more lights. Since you have recessed cans it is easy to use a screw in plug to power tracks and add cans or even hanging pedant lights any where along them.

I would add lights also. I also like the idea of a bench with a "happy" fabric on it, that you could also use to slipcover the chairs if you want. DON'T paint the cabinets until you've tried other less work- intensive and less permanent things...you can always do it after you tried the rest.

Alot of beige and brown! Consider adding white panels to the island walls, color the walls surrounding the kitchen something warmer and prettier than beige to contrast with the white trim and post. Add some personal colorful accessories.

It is a gorgeous space. It all looks very high end. What I think is easy and less of a commitment after finding some accessories is PAINTING THE WALLS. Sometimes "lightening" is the wrong direction. Work with what you have - add some personal artwork and decor items. The walls are making the contrast too stark which is what is giving you the thought that the wood etc is too dark. You will bring warmth and atmosphere with the right coordinating paint colors and some warmth with a rug on the floor - like Floreat suggests. Show your personality! A lighting fixture above the dining table; some plants in the space and artwork. See some poster ideas that are cute for a kitchen. I have original artwork found inexpensively at thrift stores - still lifes and platters for color. Do you have undercabinet lighting? That is an easy fix from Lowes or HDepot.

So, to prioritze; 1) add personal touch with posters on the walls. While not cluttering, show some of your personal items on the counter or in the glassed cabinets. allposters.com
2) how about a fun upholstered chair for the desk area and coordinating fabric for bar stools at the extended granite counter ? Picking up a common color with the wall art on that empty beige wall? Or see attached you could switch out your head of the table chairs with your desk area chair ....
3) rugs on the floor Overstock.com has some great deals and you can match or coordinate as you prefer

Hope these ideas give you a start! Bonne Chance!

Can you do a solar tube skylight? we added two to our kitchen, fairly inexpesive (cheaper than re-finishing cabinets) and really lighten the place up

those floors are beautiful!

what about some light color tiles for floor??
http://www.houzz.com/projects/84080/Tiles-Collection

You do have a gorgeous space. All you need are pops of colour. Accessories, fruit bowl, flowers,kitchen stuff, an area rug and probably re-upholstering the two leather-backed chairs in one or two bright and vibrant colors will offset the brown-ness.

If you paint the walls a butter yellow it will make the room look sunny and warm. It goes well with the floor. I would buy a rug in yellows for under the table and get some artwork to bring in the warm golds, greens etc. Some of the French provincial art could work nicely, you can get prints on line of bistros etc. Your cabinets are lovely. If you want to invest more real money, lighten the counters.

I wouldn't paint the cabinets at all, but I would put some color on the walls. That gray does nothing for the other finishes. We just renovated a condo with honey-oak color cabinets and matching stained woodwork (not my favorite). We planned to change the floors and went with Congoleum plank vinyl in Western Maple, which had the cabinet tones along with some darker variation. We painted the walls Martha Stewart's Arrowroot--a rich, greeny turquoise, and it set everything off beautifully.

Here's a vote for Colonial Clair and others who suggest addressing the WALL COLOR FIRST

WAY to much contrast between the browns and the light walls. I would attempt to unify the area with warm wall colors designed to reduce the contrast.

If,however, the wall current color is what you REALLY want, then paint the cabinets with same goal of reducing contrast.

Go white on the dining room furniture and put a light green or turquoise rug under.