You have a really unique and warm space. The dining table and chairs give it an old world feeling and the vintage style appliances add a unique charm. It will be a challenge to make this room a bright space with the dark wood ceiling which is one of the attributes of the room. Although it may seem counter intuitive I do not think lighter paint colors necessarily will meet your goals. The pale yellow cabinets look weak and do not stand up to the heaviness of the ceiling. I would consider painting the cabinets a sage green, antique red, or smokey blue depending on your color preference in the rest of the house and then having the walls finished in an integrated colored plaster finish in a cream color. The white window trim looks a bit stark with all the natural wood. You might consider refinishing and staining them the same color as the French doors opening into the adjacent room.
Another option would be to paint them in a caramel color similar to the color of the antique pine dining table. A skilled decorative painter might also give the windows a Faux Boise finish. A pair of iron light sconces, one on each side of the window would brighten up the space as would a large mirror, painting or print on the wall next to the window. You might consider a longer rectilinear chandelier with more lights or a pair of lanterns over the dining table. I would eliminate the valance over the kitchen sink as it makes the ceiling look even lower. All you need is that beautiful verdant view. If you really want light cabinetry then you will have to paint the ceiling white or cream or white wash it. If you love the ceiling as is then you will have to work with it and not fight it.