photos?

kitchen. The granite is a caramel color with dark swirls. I want the wood back splash changed and the cedar walls uner the counter. I want it brighter and more whimsical. Suggestions?

remove the wood cornice over the sink and add a light fixture over the sink. Add decorative tile (think mexican patterns) for the backsplash. If you want to go so far as to paint the cabinets, choose a fun color like grey-blue or sage green.

There's rought cedar on the walls below the counter top as shown on the left. The same material also covers the walls in the breakfast area. I plan on removing it but am not certain what to do with it and what types of colors to use.

Can you show more photos of the other areas. I think that would be a help. I would add an area rug in the kitchen. I do not know if you are planning on a color; perhaps you have an accent color you already use in the breakfast area. But, an area rug near the sink would brighten up the space. I use one that is not a traditional kitchen design in my kitchen b/c so many are roosters, fruit etc. I have a regular area rug and clean it with my Hoover Steam cleaner (most of them can now be dual function and clean hard woods as well) Since I own it, I can do it whenever.

Cannot suggest color without knowing if you have curtains, blinds in the breakfast area and/or if you are keeping or removing.

The first pic is from the kitchen looking into the breakfast area. The second pic is from the kitchen looking into the living room. I'm in the process buying the items i need for the house, so I basically can go with anything I want. I do not want for it to look like a hunting lodge. I like a bright whimsical look. I like the idea of the Mexican tile on the back splash and the light above the sink.

The moose border at the top is coming down.