Assuming the counter tops remain the same, paint all the yellow pine. Give B.M. linen white a try.

Thanks for the advice.. The kitchen and living room are open to each other. Do I need to paint all the walls? Standing at the sink I would be looking into the living space.

if the ceilings are going to stay pine, you'd still have two strongly mismatched woods. i'd rather change the cabinets and go for stainless appliances rather than the black.

if you are willing to do the walls and ceiling, thats different.

I'd rather not paint the ceiling - it's vaulted and I don't mind the pine on it.. So, you think I shouldI paint the cabinets -linen white?

Yes. If you don't paint the ceiling, don't paint the walls either. One of the woods needs to painted completely and the pine walls are kinda cool.

Thanks. Now I just need to decide on a colour for the cabinets. Do you think white linen will go well with the pine? Or is there a blue that might go well?. Any suggestions.

I am agreeing with Emily…the cabinets and the floor complement each other. The yellow pine is rather overpowering, especially as you have told us it is in the adjoining room as well.

My best advice is to do something with all that yellow tone…both ceiling and wall.

What if you start with the ceiling first? Painting it linen white in a semi-gloss finish will lighten and brighten the rooms. You may wind up agreeing with me and Emily that painting the walls, also, would look great.

In the meantime, here is one inspiration photo for you:

Here is a partial picture of the living space. The short wall meets at a corner fireplace in the living room. Painting the ceiling is such a big job for me. It would need to be done in both rooms. What if I painted the cabinets and got some light area rugs to lighten up the floor. Will also get white curtains to help break up the pine a bit and a lighter sofa. Thoughts?

Here is a blog which may give you ideas.

Honestly, I am just not a fan of lots of natural wood, particularly anything that hints and yellow or orange. Also, I have never been exposed to a cabin style…cottage yes, as I am coastal. I really should not have commented as I have never decorated around combinations of different woods.

Good luck and do what works for you. Wish I could have been more help.

http://theletteredcottage.net/working-with-natural-wood-walls-ceilings/

I would not paint blue cupboards. Do the lighter color. Also, I would change out the black appliances...all too dark. I would also bring in some color via objects on the countertops, white cotton type curtains and light colored rug.

I can see your hesitation in painting the walls and ceiling but it is all too much wood. IMO if you change the cabinets with paint you will still dislike the floor and counters with the pine walls/ceiling so either the walls and ceiling need paint or all other wood surfaces need to change.

Thanks for all the advice. JudyG thanks for the link. It had some great pictures.

Hi! Well, that is a LOT of pine! It is quite pretty, but agree that the kitchen needs a redo, with all that wood cabinetry. If this is a 2nd or vacation home and you can go more casual. We would suggest whitewashing the kitchen walls, then you could paint the cabinetry a fun color like blue or green. With all the pine in the rest of the home, you won't miss it, and it will add some interest to the kitchen. A rug in the kitchen can also brighten up the space a bit.

Post after pics, please!

Thanks, and yes, this is a summer place. If I whitewash I think I would have to do the living space too since it shares a wall with the kitchen. Do you think I could leave the ceiling pine or would that look funny? It just seemed like it might be less work to just paint the cabinetry. I could paint the kitchen table too ( also light pine- came with the home). A rug in the kitchen is a good idea. I'm hoping light rugs, light curtains and a light couch will help too.