I don't think that you should paint the cabinets. From what I can see, they look nice and the only wood in the space. I am a big fan of hardwoods but your tile isn't bad. What colors do you have in your furniture? Are there other colors that you like that aren't in the tan/taupe/beige family? You are right that there is too much of the same color going on but I don't see any other furnishings. It's a great space with a lot of interesting features. Take it slowly and it will all come together.

Choose some great photography or other art that you love for your walls! And then pull a color from that art to use as an accent color and repeat that color more than once for accessories such as throw cushions and decorative vases. Buy some house plants as well to add color. There are many house plants that easily survive such as a Peace plant. Norfolk
Island pines are durable unless you put them outside. One of the plants I have loved is a miniature lemon tree. Fun to watch the lemons grow!

I agree on leaving the cabinets the way they are, they are beautiful!

Beige walls could be interesting when paired with the right accessories.

What do you all think about this kitchen? This is kind of the look I think I'm going for but maybe not quite that dark on the cabinets. The countertops almost look exactly like what we have. I'd keep our tile also. Maybe white black splash tiles? Then a light beige paint to tie it all in? I just am looking for a little more contrast and think some dark brown cabinets would do the trick in the kitchen.

I love the idea of tying color in through art and plants! I was thinking some of my accent colors might be either a navy blue and yellow or light blue and yellow in the living room?

I would keep the cabinets the way they are & I love painted cabinets. I think these are very interesting & not the norm. After living with LOTS of red, green & yellow I'm liking all your neutral. Bring in your color with pillows & wall art & accessories...Maybe chairs. I did notice the pillow with your sofa looks more contemporary. This site has lots of wonderful pictures showing neutral rooms with pops of color. Don't change your countertop right off. Consider finding a fabrics that have a little gray in them.

Changing the window treatments will make a huge change in the overall appearance. So will changing the light fixtures. By the way, you can add more photos of your house in the comments section, for example, a face-on view of the fireplace. It looks like a lovely, bright, neutral place to me, ready for finishing touches that make it more traditional.

The paint samples on the wall do not go with the cabinet wood at all. You can overcoat the cabinets if you really, really want them dark, but that is a one-way street. Choose fabrics and permanent finishes first, then paint.

If you are changing so much of the finishes in the space but not the furniture, I'd recommend consulting an interior designer on a per-hour basis.

I love the yellow and blue. I was actually thinking of a pale blue/green for a wall color.
You clearly have good taste. Trust your instincts.

Thank you everyone for your input! So if we were to keep our cabinets how they are what would be a good wall color? We are planning on getting recessed lighting done in the kitchen. Also, we are adding 6" white baseboard and white plantation shutters on all the windows similar to this image...

I don't know how much this would cost but I was also really liking this look for our arched entryway with the pillars.

[houzz=]

http://st.houzz.com/simgs/0901ab5f0d17f4de_5-5918/home-design.jpg

Here are more images of our room right now...

and just a few more...

Here are some beautiful neutral rooms. When going neutral always be sure to use lots of tones & textures.

First decide what is most important to you. We can give our opinions, but you have to live with it. I think your tiles are dated looking and the space would just be so much better with the same floor throughout it. A large rectangle tile would be amazing. Do it in a subway pattern with the brown cabinets. If you can remove the soffit you can stagger some of the cabinets like your inspiration pic. Gorgeous! Redo the FP. Paint your trim white. Update the patio door treatment. Great space really, just needs your special touch.

I would not use the darker color you have sampled around your firebox. There is not enough contrast with the stone. When working with neutrals you would typically keep your walls 2 shades lighter or darker than your furniture. With that in mind, think about keeping yours drapes 2 shades lighter or darker than your walls. One color throughout the open downstairs will make it cohesive. Then see if you want to add an accent wall or two. I'm thinking the columns are going to be too busy & I'm not sure how you would make the arches around your fireplace tie in. You need a professional to give you a good opinion on that. The shutters will be beautiful. Seldom ever a bad idea in a traditional setting. If you get them up & want to soften the look you can do that with side panels. Back to wall color. Any color you pick just make sure the tone enhances your cabinets. That is a hard one to pick over the net because colors charts are not always true over the net.

I know this kitchen is WAY bigger than mine but do you all think these colors would look good?
Thank you all again for your comments. I really am learning so much! I like the look of the mantle in that last picture because If i get a mantle it will have to be perfectly square like the one in that picture because of the wall that comes out right next to the tile on the left side.

kitchen