I have other rooms i need help with also, but here is my first!

Bobbi P...you give good advise (;

How about some pretty cabinet pulls. The "jewelry" for the kitchen. You can get relatively inexpensive pulls or knobs that would give it a more finished look.

I have thought about that....bling crystal looking ones or pewter?

pale, mint green walls?

Brushed satin. I don't know where you live but, you can get some nice ones at HomeDepot or Lowes without breaking the budget.

I purchased my home a couple of years ago and the whole living space, including the entry living room are chocolate brown/taupe color with crown molding dividing the two colors right smack in the middle along the walls. It makes it kinda hard to even hang a picture. I either have to go below the molding or above. If i change only the kitchen walls it would'nt look right with the other connected space. ):

In my opinion, what makes your kitchen seem a little "off" is the fact that the backsplash paint color is different from the remaining wall color near the ceiling. This difference is magnified because the wall color is such a rich dark brown--a great contrast from the subtle taupe backsplash. Also, having such a dark color near the ceiling makes the space seem squished and heavy. It really limits the eye. If possible, I would change the brown to a lighter color. It will greatly open up the space.

Stoneshop...I know it does look off with the two colors, but the whole house is like that. I would like to change the interior color in a couple of years, when i can afford it. The home already has crown molding along the middle of the walls (odd, but doesn't look bad) I'm looking to make it lighter on the walls and my dream dark color cabinet kitchen (in the future) . Do you have any suggestions on a color for the island?? maybe a rug color?
And thanks vsegura....would luv a glass tile!

pinktea: Okay, it makes more sense now. I read what you wrote before, but couldn't quite wrap my head around it. Now I think I understand :)

Are you looking for a new cabinet color for your island?

Hi, Pinktea,

For an example of a splash of color, refer to: http://www.houzz.com/projects/19929/3--San-Francisco-Sunset-Remodel

Thank you so much Andrew! I hope to find something (;

Yes...I need color. Maybe something above my cabinets? I want to remove the existing cabinets over my stove, so the chimney vent shows more.

A tribal rug would go a long way in your kitchen. Pick a rug with colors you like then place objects d'art in those same colors on top of the cabinets. Led strip lighting to accent the accent pieces on top of the cabinets are a thought too.

I agree with something different on the walls and the rug since they blend in too much with the cabinet color. Here's a quick mock-up.

That is a great idea "rugfinger" thanks so much! I can picture that already (:

Dear Pinktea: I would like to make an alternate suggestion here.

Cabinets are VERY yellow looking in this picture - so suggest adding DARKER hardware - something in an oil rubbed bronze - they even have these at Target?

Before you go removing the cabinets above the stove hood - do you KNOW what is underneath there? Will it require patching - painting? Could be a little pricey?

At Home Depot - they now have great UNDER-cabinet lighting for task and down lighting - I think this would draw the eye into the room and soften the space NOT something in LED along the top which would only highlight that which you are trying to disquise? Make sense?

Before painting - why don't you just save your $$ and figure out what it really needs? Yes?

Have you tried the discount back rooms of decorating stores - the discounted merchandise? Flea-Markets; Antique Malls? Yard Sales? There are great finds you can take home and clean up - make your own? SALVAGE? Always great for lights - for above your island? What about getting some great glass pendants for above the island? Industrial Modern - clear glass - school house lighting - something with a twist?

I always say: Splurge on ONE nice thing that is going to stand out - and be noticed - make the rest fade away. Save your $$ until you can find the one thing to make this feel better to you - then go for the other - and in the meantime can you post MORE pictures to show how all of this is configured together - especially with the crown molding you speak of?

Thanks and let us know? :-)

Thanks Houzz family...luv all suggestions and I will post another picture showing the crown molding and less clutter (:

pinktea, I'm sorry, I just saw your post, and thank you for your compliment! I don't think I'm good, but I know I am cheap!

I think you're kitchen is very pretty. I strongly suggest you declutter. If you plan to keep your fridge for a few more years, paint your island semi-gloss black. Use some Murphy's Oil soap to clean all the wood and make it shine! Use a piece of citrus fruit to clean your grout. Keep your fridge clear of papers and magnets and maybe paint a portion of it with chalkboard paint for doodling kids and shopping lists, etc.

I would spend the $50.00 on some organizing tools to keep the clutter at bay! Or maybe there's a small appliance you've been putting off buying? One trick I learned after giving up on using so many paper towels, is I keep a grocery bag hooked to the inside of a closet door with 3M Command Hooks. This bag holds the clean rags and towels, and then another hooked to the side of my washer (in the garage)for the dirty ones.. When the bag hooked to the washer is full, they go straight into the wash. I only use paper towels to dry my hands which eliminates the need for a kitchen towel because there's never a good place to hang them.

This is my first time doing something like this...posting and blogging! I was kind of afraid to do so, but I have read many ideas from other people in the same cituation. What impressed me the most was that we actually get designer's opinions and true honest comments from everyone. I have printed and will work on something next weekend...I'm now following you Bobbi! Thank you much and I am hooked on HOUZZ!!

I have those same Oak cabinets. I finally gave up and put a beige glaze on them with bronze hardware. I painted the walls a medium shade of green. Then I put Italian colorful Italian pottery on the top of the cabinets and some are on the counter tops as well. It is a pain to paint over cabinets - you do need to sand them lightly. I was amazed at the amount of work it involved.

Thank you so much! I'm not a big fan of green... I still haven't been able to find a color I like...my hubby wont let me paint them white :(

you can paint it brown the same color of the back wall. or if you want to spend a bit more change the back wall tile to "earth tone color" and do the same on your island.

back wall color

Like the idea of going darker, how about almost a shinny black? I would like something to add some "bling" :) any suggestions?

Margaretk, can you post a picture of your kitchen for me??

Gray and cream walls my kitchen looked just like yours till I updated it