Wonder what it would look like to have the cabinets and wall the same color but a couple of shades lighter on the wall. I'm thinking that in such a small space it might help.

Ellie , have you looked into the milk paints ? I think using it on your cabs would be so pretty in the setting that you have. You could actually use a lovely pale yellow on the walls and a washed out blue for the cabs. You could take your cue from the eclectic mix of things you are going to decorate with. Use them to pick the shades of colors to use. I think you can really "play" in your special space. c

You already are surrounded by a lot of "yellow" in the pine. It wouldn't have any contrast if you also used yellow paint unless you did a very deep mustard color, and even then it might not be enough. Blue would be great, or red, or green or even the right purple! :)

I have a ton of knotty pine in my lake place....all original from 1952. I went with a cream (but really it's almost yellow) cabinet with a copper glaze. My knotty pine is on the walls of adjacent rooms. I have none on the ceiling, so my situation is different from yours, but thought I would post a pic to give you a thought. I have since gotten a redwood island top in an end grain pattern.

Here is a link that might be useful:

TR, milk paint has always captured my interest,so I will look at that.

BP: Gosh, at first I thought those were your kitchens, then realized. Nice pics and thought provoking.

GD, that is really the issue here, how much yellow would be too much or would it matter, being that high up on the ceiling.

PW: love your beadboard island.

Oh my gosh, I can see why this forum is addicting and now the choices. Better made with lots of opinions though.

Say, most of y'all don't use your real name on this forum yet it doesn't seem "stalker prone", lol. Well, too late now. Interesting though.

Thanks, will keep thinking and hoping that others will chime in. Of course, the floor color will make a difference too.

Ellie