Call an electrician to add in recessed lighting.

You say you just moved in, I would search around for another switch for more lights. Seems a little weird there is only 5 recessed lights for your bar and none in your kitchen.

Adding new recessed lighting is pretty expensive. Can you change the wattage of the existing and replace the ones that are out? Under the cabinet lighting will help and if there is already an overhead light I can't see, think about replacing it with a brighter light. Replacing light fixtures is pretty easy. I think after you light up your kitchen and take new photos, we will be able to help with all your other concerns.

Painting the ceiling and beams will brighten it up as will the lighting suggestions mentioned. Modern stools would compliment the cabinetry.

Take the grills out of the window , get lighting as mentioned , paint the brick it is gobbling up all the light you have along with the dark cabinets but IMO painting the brick will help a lot

Oh my! It's odd as I usually agree but I DO like the brick because the first thing I thought was the brick with stainless steel was a cool "lofty restaurant" feel. I think I'd start with lighting before painting the brick. I even like the "x" design on the window. I've been eclectic lately I guess! :) Cable lighting on the ceiling would keep the cool vibe and provide much needed light.

2010 A-List Award Winner · More Info

Is a skylight an option?

-The Cinque Team

Look how cool the brick kitchen looks. Can you add a skylight? Search Houzz photos brick and stainless kitchen and you'll see how awesome it can look.

Kitchen 002 · More Info

Kitchens · More Info

The light helps a lot!

My first thought was that the backsplash is too dark. It needs to be lighter and it needs to reflect. I think you should get a stainless steel sheet cut to fit the area in the same finish as your counter. It might look something like this:

Is there anything that you can paint white or a light colour like the dining area? Is that wood I see above the counter? It seems quite dark so if you could paint it light it would help. The ceiling is dark too so add that industrial lighting you like.

I added some more backsplash and painted the ceiling an unexpected colour because why not!

I do think you should paint the ceiling in the kitchen a lighter colour than the (from what I can see) dark brown. It could even be the lime of your accessories, though maybe a bit more subdued than I did. :)

Change the light bulbs to "warm white". They look too blue.