A lot of the reason your kitchen is so dark is because your floors and countertops are dark.

The first thing I'd do is change the countertop and backsplash to something light.

turn on the light! and add some inexpensive fluorescent under cabinet lights while you take stock of what you have.

the black fabric curtain next to the fridge can go light, as well as the little stacker next to the fridge.

Nice already said. Many kitchens have the one ceiling light which is never enough. Have you thought about investing in several can lights besides the good undercabinet lights? What do you two think - if you're going to see this - isn't having both best especially with dark finishes?

Ceiling -- 1 on each side of microwave / 1 on each side of sink = 4 ??

1 near frig.

Hey you 3 - there's a gal who has oak [or pine] cabinets and vaulted ceilings. She is right now deciding on wood-look floor tile [carpeting, etc.] She's posted photos of cinnamon, and wonders if it's a bit reddish.... so I thought of you drearod69 with your mahogany floors, and whether you like them and might have a thought to share.... thanks. Btw she's ok but had a car accident today of all times...

[https://www.houzz.com/discussions/ceilings-dsvw-vd~3379205[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/ceilings-dsvw-vd~3379205)

I can see you have classic raised panel doors, you can give your cabinets a little more neutral/ modern look by changing only the doors. Even a flat shaker like panel door can make it look less classic. I like dark colors and bright spaces so if that is your case too, I also recommend installing extra lighting... LED lamps are great and won't cost too much long term. If you want to stay out of artificial lighting then bring the sun in with bigger windows and ceiling solatube for instance...

I would paint your cabinets a light color, maybe with a watered down paint so that the grain shows through still. Do not use fluorescent fixtures, use LED under the cabinets (cheaper to run, last longer, and better light). maybe add some small LED can lights above your counters.

A variation of lime green / art with a little would brighten / gleam added.....