I have this same problem in my living room, and I live in a condo complex as well. My living room faces west, and I only get really poor afternoon sun. I have to put the lights on even on a sunny day. My next door neighbor got the condo association to cut the tree down. If you or hubby are good are talking people into things, see if you can do that first. Is your kitchen lighting the best it can be? (We can never have to much lighting in the kitchen!) Other things you may be able to do are look for or have a glass company custom cut some mirror strips for you to put around the kitchen (if it doesn't deviate from the decor). That will increase whatever light is already there. Also, see if you can get some mirrored/stainless steel/off-white/glass accessories or artwork in this space to lighten it up. I just put all the lights on - that's the best I can do! I do have one lamp that has a mirrored base that works well for increasing the lighting. I also had my glass company cut some custom glass for the tops of my side tables. Look at all your surfaces and look outside the box for anything you can do to increase any lighting in any way.

Add more lights. Even if the tree wasn't there you would still have to use the kitchen after sundown.

Add under cabinet LED lighting. Can also add teeny string LED lighting at the toekick of cabinets & above the cabinets as well.

Thank you...I agree but no option itch them....

Thanks but white tiles would be too stark a difference. Might look at off white though. Will probably paint walls BM Collectors Item and get new valance with some color

Thanks. Appreciate it....