Painting the ceiling is a pain. Literally painful, actually, in my experience, at least. I'm a white ceiling person, and though I've seen creative people do some cool effects with colored ceilings, I think it would be tricky in your open floor plan. Much easier, IMO, to repaint the kitchen a shade darker (best to start while your husband is out, since he may think you're nuts).

I like the dining set in the kitchen pictures, less sure about the set you want to paint, but maybe because I'm not clear on where it would go? Are both dining sets staying?

I think rugs would help give a big punch of color. Maybe a runner or two in the kitchen area and a round one under the table. The Lettered Cottage has runners in their kitchen, and so did someone on the recent painted cabinets thread, I think senator13. You have a pretty but very neutral backdrop right now to do just about any color you like. Why not find a rug or two and pull a color from that for accents?

jessica - thanks for your feedback.

The table that is currently being used only has a 3' diameter and two bar-height chairs. I like it, but it just is not functional for us, a family of four. It needs to be replaced. The one I want to paint I don't like at all - lol. That is why is has been hidden in the basement. But it is more functional. My hope is that a coat of paint will make it work, at least for the next couple of years. But if paint won't even make it work (style-wise I suppose) then I won't bother with it.

It may be tough to see in the pictures, but we do have definite boundaries for the ceiling, should we decide to paint it.

Although I do agree that I need rugs elsewhere, I do not want a one under the table just because of the toddlers. The floor is a mess after every meal. I suppose I've been waiting on finding the perfect color scheme before I buy anything.

I'm just feeling frustrated because the kitchen looks so blah, and I really want to LOVE it. I'll check out the Lettered Cottage for some ideas. Meanwhile, I'd still appreciate getting more opinios from this forum.

Ok, I begin to get it. I'll leave the ceiling question to those with more style in that area (or more style in general!) but I'd love to see some rugs with red. Or yellow! Too bad about the table area, but I completely understand. Function over form, particularly when kids are involved.

I like the look of the table leg. Hard to say what the rest of it looks like, but it might be one that looks pretty with a wood top & black legs/base, if the top is in good shape. I prefer that look to a completely painted table, but that isn't to say you couldn't pull if off (guessing, of course, since it's hiding). The chairs...I'm not fond of. Might be better painted, or might be worth trying to use the table and finding some different chairs. If it functions better for your family, I'd give it a try.