Both spaces need some color. Not a lot of color but some. Bringing life into the living room with plants would help.

I would paint the ceiling gray and use eggplant and teal accents.

You have done a great job of creating a neutral slate which leaves you with wide open options (perhaps part of your problem -- too many options). I would suggest you focus first on finding a carpet you love with many colours. Then you can pull out colours from the carpet for draperies, cushions, kitchen linens and decorative elements. You could even change some of these elements seasonally. In Canada, I like things light and breezy in the hot months (linen curtains and pastel colours) and cozy and warm in the cold months (velvet curtains and deep, rich colours) These smaller elements can be fun to play with, and don't have the same high cost as a quality carpet. If you can't find a carpet, a favourite artwork could be the catalyst. Anchoring a colour scheme around an artwork has been a tactic I have often used to get unstuck. The artist has made some of the decisions for you, and you are already guaranteed to love the combination of colours so you can invest in decorative pieces with more confidence.

Hi lenaa1 . You have a lovely, clean slate to work with. Since it is a seaside home, definitely go with blues as your pops of color. A simple way to do this is by choosing a wool rug (that will outlast plastic rugs) in a shade of blue.

My picks for you are:

Blue Modern Oriental Rug Without Borders 8.3x10.5 · More Info

Contemporary Multi-Colored Ikat Area Rug Without Borders 5.8x9 · More Info

You have no contrast in the kitchen between the backsplash and the cabinets. I would add colorful towels, ceiling fixtures and a wonderful bright rug of some sort. If you want to shy away from colors, I would add some texture on the walls and floor with a wonderful textured rug. Also any small appliances or dishes that you might have on the counter top could also add some color or textures to the space. I would follow suit in the living area with whatever you decide to do. Good luck.

Being at the beach, keep rugs/carpets to a minimum, and look for light weight ones if you do you use them that can be shaken outside. And looks like you do real wood floors, so to me they don't need any covering: I hate the sound of vacuum cleaners and would rather sweep/mop any day!

Add some color:
- Fun artwork;
- bright colored lighting;
- surf boards/paddles (could be good storage for them too);
- netting with the glass balls used by fishermen to keep the nets afloat (usually great blues and greens);
- bring in colorful furniture (when I went all white in my place I got this old white wicker table for $5 at a garage sale and spray painted it turquoise and put my TV on it - I was amazed how much I loved having painted furniture when I had so much white around);
- colorful vases, candle holders, pottery, etc.
- have some items of natural wood: it adds warmth in a way that nothing else can
- be playful with your furniture: a solid on the sofa so you can play more with decorative pillows and side chairs in fun upholstery choices
- If you have a limited budget, I saw an article one time on spray painting your upholstery - there's a way to do it without it getting stiff/scratchy: if you get some cheap items at a re-sale shop you can give a whole new look with limited cost/investment
- Get those suction cup hooks (Michaels/Hobby Lobby/etc) and put them on your back splash holding a few fun colorful items just to add a little zing there (colored glass hanging vase w/flowers; small art work; etc...

Good luck - I lived at the shore a few years ago and miss the sounds and smell of the ocean!

We'd agree with Gary. Some fresh vibrant plants can go a long way in adding dimension and life to a space. Something like a dwarf orange or avocado tree would be fun! Good luck!

Well here I go again. The cabinets and range hood are all hung much to high. The perception of the height throws the entire kitchen area off. The cabinets need to be above the counters approx. 18". The range hood aligned with the edge of the lowered side cabinets. That is where you need to put your efforts first.. Now you can start with the decor. My beach home was also in white. A clean palette makes a small area interesting. I agree with Soltech Solutions. Plants bring life into the home as well as refreshes the air. Green is a great color as a neutral. Pick your favorite color for decor on the counter (keep it simple). I like using a hanger on the back splash to hang coffee cups, (keeping the counter open).... -If you lower the cabinets-- it will allow room to brighten/decorate the top. I suggest rope lighting. Put a lip or simple molding on the top edge and tuck the roping behind. The effect is wonderful. Being on the water. "No wool rugs". Polyester OK. Small Wicker dining chairs at a counter or small table. Slipped covered sofa in white. Throw pillows in neutral colors. Your choice.. You do not need bright color to make it look wonderful. A large upright corner plant. Again use nature. Coral, Driftwood. Stone. I suggest - and have used Seagrass Wallpaper in soft brown/beige on a companion wall..If not keep the white... Art work show best on plain walls. Keeping a small home light and airy is the solution. Otherwise it becomes confusing and muddled. Good luck with this wonderful piece of the Ocean-side. Let us know your progress. Love Europe and the efficient homes.

There are some fun designs with back splashes now.

Courtesy of Carl Mattison Design

Just LOOK at this delicious design, with greys, whites and fun lighting!

Courtesy of Carl Mattison Design

You definitely need light colors for walls. Maybe some grays and blues? No leather sofas :) Light colored wooden table. It has to be really soft.

Aleksandra from Pixers Team

Lots of great ideas here on how to "add" color without losing the value of your neutral kitchen. I agree that rugs, art work, etc. are a great way to do this.

I'd consider a teal blue and a complementary soft green for all your accessories. The suggestion of a lightweight rug with color is a great idea. Consider colored light fixtures (i.e. barn fixtures or colored glass) where appropriate. Throw pillows, coat hooks, side tables all can be variations on blues and greens.

Your new kitchen is gorgeous but DOES need some happy colors.