You may get suggestions but without being able to at least see a photo of what you're describing it's hard to say what will work and what won't. Can't stress enough, pictures pictures pictures. :c)

How about a creamy yellow? Also, have you considered adding under-cabinet lights if you don't have them now?

Do you have a backsplash, and what are your current lights? Pictures would be great.

The picture below was taken after wallpaper removal, with all the lights on, and at the sunniest point in the day. A few days ago, we painted it BM Sweet Caroline.

{{!gwi}}

I would like to paint for the changes we expect within the next year - floor to warm earthtone ceramic; countertops to warm earthtones; appliances updated.

I wouldn't paint until the changes take place.....
I know you said you don't like "stuff" on your counters....but a small lamp int he corner by the refrigerator would add a cozy touch and a pretty canister set...or a basket of fruit....something to make it look warmer and more homey.

Glad to see you got the picture posted! It doesn't seem near as dark as I though it would.

You know a citrus green would be really pretty with the wood tones. We've used Behr Grass Cloth in a few different spots and have gotten a lot of positive feedback on the color. It would look fabulous with what you have but I'd have to agree with the suggestion to hold off until you at least have all your elements chosen. Why paint twice?

Mint Chocolate Chip, LOL! I can see how that could happen with that green! I'd suggest finding an inspiration fabric and doing some kind of roman blind/valence over the sink, then using the colors from it as your color inspiration. I think the problem with your green is that there is no brown in it to relate to the cabinets. I pulled the fan deck out and could see trying Harbour Town (#493) or Flowering Herbs (#514) if you wanted to try a different green.

I could see a Tuscan flavor in this room, but I still think I'd try to find some fabric first. It's infinitely easier to find a paint color to match fabric then the other way around. I could also see a French Country thing in there too, with blues, yellows, and reds.

You can of course add art to the available wall space. Try some coordinating towels, dish cloths, and maybe even replace the coffee maker with a colored model. I'd also try a big rug. You could hang colorful plates on the back splash walls too. The mirror over the range is just not doing it for me--I'd suggest a pretty metal tray or some tile instead.

I second the idea to install undercabinet light. If you have easy access or are willing to go the extra mile, add some recessed lighting too. Electricity is your friend in a dark space!

And just to be clear, there are NO current plans to paint the dark cabinets??

Before seeing the photo I envisioned a much smaller and darker space. If it were my kitchen, I would warm up the walls with a soft warm yellow. I think a backsplash, perhaps travertine in a cobblestone pattern would look great and add texture and interest without stuff. However, I would hesitate doing that until you replace your counters like you want. I agree that a small corner lamp and a couple well used cookbooks would look great and add depth and interest. I do not have a backsplash yet, so I have hung some small favorite prints in the backsplach area and it really helps. Plus with your window, you have a great opportunity to add color and interest. Just find a fabric or treatment that you love in your colors and install. JMO

I know it is not the normal advice, but I have a tendency to lean towards more richer and/or vibrant colors when dealing with a dim room, especially when the wood is also dark. The richer vibrant colors seem to create a sense of more reflected light than basic pale colors. I like the Tuscan idea, it would be perfect.

Adding or changing the lighting is the next thing that needs to be done. If you are at all handy, it really is an easy DIY job. So long as you follow the directions and shut off the breaker, you can't hurt yourself. Yes, under cab lights would help immensely, but if I couldn't do that, I would swap the light out for one of those modern squiggly lights track type of lights that allows you to point them where you want them. I would get the one with the the most lights and point them so they would wash the walls slightly as they hit the counters.

I had a lesson in light bulbs this year also. We finished our basement, whith one small window per room facing west. I had painted the rooms a medium peach. The room felt dim unitl I swapped the lights out to the "daylight" type. Wow! It went from "ok, slightly dreary" to felling like the light was bouncing around the room.

I promise it is dark in there during the day when I don't want to turn fluorescent lights on. It's like a normal kitchen when they're on though.

I love all the great ideas, especially adding a lamp, cookbooks, and plates or prints on the backsplash. We do have some under-cabinet lighting, but more would be nice. I'm definitely going to implement a bunch of these ideas!!

tomorrowisanotherday, we had only planned to stain the cabinets a true walnut with less red. I was hoping to brighten it up enough with just wall color. DH mentioned painting them, but I like the wood.

How could I achieve a Tuscan flavor? I love the colors in the "Kitchen in Tuscany" print...
{{!gwi}}
I don't imagine I could achieve that with the current green wall color (looks more mint than the swatch)...

Excellent suggestions above!

My suggestion would be to paint the kitchen in a pale gold -- perhaps Laura Ashley Gold #2 -- which would work with the gold tones in the flooring and in the countertop material.

And add my vote to consider switching to a modern track-lighting system.

And yes! adding small lamps around the countertop (maybe just one by the coffeemaker?) can give you small warm pools of light -- a nice lighting option -- rather than using the main lights all of the time.

Adding dark woven trays to hold items -- like a nice silver canister with the coffee -- can add some "texture" without clutter.

Also try adding a bamboo or woven shade to the window to quickly update it -- and again -- add warming texture.

Perhaps add a sisal runner to the floor?

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

If it were me, I'd try BM's Goldfinch (187) or Dijon (193).

Thanks for all the great advice! I'm definitely going to repaint the walls golden yellow now.

Hi,

I had my kitchen painted a blue/green (forgot name) and felt that it looked dull. I repainted Restoration Hardware Butter and it lightened, brightened and warmed the kitchen up. I love it and it's a nice buttery yellow. My friend who has a Tuscan meet Martha Stewart kitchen repainted her kitchen BM Semolina and it looks great. The rest of her house in Windham cream with accent of red and a green color similar to Sweet Caroline.

Before you go to the trouble of repainting, I think you should try adding a little personality to the room as it is - things like the lamp and a rug, maybe colored curtains, especially if you're going to do a redo next year! I think you said you don't like things on your counters, but I think the lack of anything in the room is what is making it seem cold, not so much the paint color.

Of course, I LIKE things on my counter, and keep my pretty appliances out all the time, so take it for what it's worth. Your kitchen just looks stark and bare to me, not even a colored towel to soften things a bit.

I have a not well lit kitchen with walnut cabinets as well. I would really suggest a full spectrum paint. It will make the room come alive. I went with Spring Green from Ellen Kennon. She does color consults, you can talk with her and send pics; she gets a feel for you, your home, your desires for the space and makes recommendations. I can't recommend her paints enough, they go on so nicely and change through out the day. I thought I liked the color of my kitchen before, but it was a cool color and quite cold. We went with a warmer tone, lots more color and even the hallway down to the powder room which has always been a dungeon with other colors is a totally different space. I think with full spectrum paints, you don't have to be afraid of color and pop; they will only add to your room.

Color experts and designers state that light colors will NOT serve to lighten a dark space...only
make it cold. If your cabs show an undertone of red, paint the walls in a deep red. If it's yellow, then, as suggested above, go with a deep, warm Tuscany yellow or tan. Forgive me, but I just MUST say that the fluorescent light has got to go. You will not find a colder, more unflattering light than this. If you replace counters with granite, they will add reflected light ...unless they're honed. Back splash tiles in a glossy finish will do the same.
But here's the best way to bring in light: replace the cab doors to left of frig,( over the coffee pot)....only the doors... with glass paned doors. They are across from the window and will reflect light like a mirror. If there's ugly stuff in them, switch it out for bowels, glassware, china, etc. BTW, Pottery Barn has some great cotton runner rugs...perfect for a gallery kitchen, in lots of great, warm colors. Curtains are too fusty, IMO, for a small window, Warm, wheat-gold woven shades could be very nice...add warmth and hide the nighttime window glare and add privacy when wanted.

I'd paint the cabinets a light color. It would make a world of difference. And you would love it, I bet.

....Jane

me, too, newdawn, as I love painted cabs, but she stated..." DH mentioned painting them, but I like the wood. "

I expected a cave! It's not bad at all! It reminds meof the kitchen in my first home.
I like Jan's suggestions.
I think a Galley kitchen needs a runner for sure.
I also think you do need a little lamp somewhere. Also since you seem to like the tuscan style I would add some of those touches like a topiary by the side of the sink. Also a cute windo treatment could really add to the room.
We added under cabinet lighting to pur kitchen and WOW Worth EVERY penny paid! It was not that expensive either. Out kitchen is about twice the size too. I would at least get an estimate. :)