here is a picture of the kitchen and two out three windows in the kitchen. I'll post better pictures tomorrow.

do you already have furniture that you will use in the space?

Thank you! here is a picture of the rug, sofa and temporary bar chairs we will be using. I was definitely thinking of going the gray walls route and maybe accenting with colored blinds but I am a little hesitant.

The good thing about paint is that you could always just do an accent wall, let it sit for a month, and repaint if you don't like it. So you might give gray a shot and see how it feels. I wonder if you could do red blinds or if that would be too out of the box. It would definitely be a cool look with those red chairs.

I would head towards a soft grey and bring home pot testers to see how the shades work in the different light during the day and at night. Maybe try some red accents if keeping the red bar stools and incorporate the backsplash color for pillows. I would just use grey linen drapery and let the colors be in your accessories and artwork. Below is a nice combination of colors.

I would paint the espresso cabinets they are sucking light for sure and IMO already a dated look

ANTIQUE ARMOIRES

ANTIQUE SIDEBOARDS

Thank you everyone for the comments so far! I don't know what possessed me to pick dark cabinets and tan! I'm regretting the decision but have to work with it OR paint them white down the road. I added a couple more pictures. it was a gloomy day in Philly today.

Very nice space. I like the cabinets. I also like the color that is on the walls now... light and bright. It works with the space.

I think with the feel of your space, some sort of shades/blinds would work for the windows. I noticed this company; they happen to be in Philly area (I believe). Some pics/ideas on their page:

http://claudiaclobes.com/coulisse-philadelphia-previews-at-urban-loft-window-treatments/

few more pictures of the space from tonight with lights on at night. We just closed on the house this morning so the walls are currently white.

I like the idea of soft greys and potentially grey blinds (wood or faux wood). I just did not see much grey colors with brown/tan.

I actually like the bright white. It gives a nice contrast against your darker woods. You can add touches of color in the space with accents, like your chairs and artwork. I think gray walls will just make the space look drab and darker. For the windows, keep blinds or drapes white, or use woven wood shades for texture. White with brown can look very modern.

i like the white walls as well. why don't the upper cabinets go all the way to the end of the pennisula and backsplash?

CaliDesign, thank you for the pictures! I actually really the look there!

Jennifer, we had the same question at first but when stand at that corner, having a cabinet there would have been a very hard reach. In the model homes, they have put up 2-3 shelves in that area with decor on it which actually looks pretty great! I'm thinking of taking that exact idea from them.