Add LED lights under the upper cabinets, a bright reflective backsplash (can be as cheap as simple flashing from the hardware store) buffet lamps on the buffet. Add more lights like the ones over the seating/TV area.

Cabinets are nice. Do not paint.

Your cabinets are beautiful. Change wall color.

We paint minimum 20 kitchens a year and is great BUT if you love rustic/traditional try use a light color on you walls add daylight before update

If cost is not a factor I would change cabinets to white However if cost is a factor first be open to changing the wall color to a lighter one and also please reconsider your lights being black all these details add to the space looking to dark you may also consider introducing some additional hi hats

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Your kitchen is BEAUTIFUL.. Keep it and instead change the lighting. I agree with others add LED under, inner and over cab lighting. Maybe change your backsplash to a bright light white or creamy white color to add more lightness. Your kitchen is great!

I agree with the above suggestion to change the dark wall color first. I’d also buy a new lighter/brighter color rug - your floors are dark and the current rug color sucks in light rather than brightens the space. Add two lamps to your current buffet and hang a mirror above it to reflect more light. I love white cabinets but in your kitchen is keep them dark. I’d also say add under cabinet lighting - it can be as easy as a trip to ikea and you can hang with command strips so no need to damage your cabinets (did this in my old kitchen and loved it). Good luck!

I’m also just noticing how small the single pendant looks over your island. You should look into getting a longer island pendant that would provide more light and balance as well.

I love white kitchens, but I also love yours. I totally think it's the wall color , lovely and rich as it is, that is darkening it up. I also think better lighting will help. If you do decide to paint the cabinets, I would still leave maybe the island dark.

Paint your walls a pale color or white

Add drapes to all windows

Buy patterned, flat weave rugs and put them under your dining table and sectional

Floor lamps or one floor lamp and one end table lamp in living area

Downlight over table not uplight chandelier - play with lightbulb - lighting seems harsh

Two pendants or rectangular shaped fixture over island

Molding to ceiling over cabinets - possible

Do not paint cabinets

I agree, start with paint and see how you feel. Although I think white would also be beautiful.

thank you ALL so much for your insight! I truly appreciate it!

I will brughten up the walls first! Get someone to come in fir a estimate.

is it possible to paint the grey ceramic subway tile backsplash white to brighten that up?

lights have been already ordered but I could always forget a second island pendant and run a track over the island!

I have a 2 and 4 year old so I do love the light rug idea under the table but I think that would be a nightmare ha ha (the rug in the middle us the kids play area and the buffet is toy storage.

I have attached some pictures in day light for you

THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN!!!!

this is the look I just LOVE ... just having a hard time achieving it working with what I have and keeping the kids and dog in mind.

I love the neutral tones with black accents.

someone mentioned curtains: white or sheer? all windows except the one directly in the kitchen?

I think you have a beautiful kitchen and it's a beautiful space. But with that said, you definitely need to add better/more lighting. That will make a big difference. Start there, then think about lightening up the backsplash as boxerpal said, and changing to a lighter paint color on the walls (although I think what is there now works well). You don't have a huge area of tile so it shouldn't be too expensive to redo, but I did just see a thread on here about someone who did paint their backsplash tile and it's held up. I can't personally recommend it or vouch for it, and I think it would be better to just replace if you can swing it, but it may be worth a shot to give it a try...?

Dont forget to add some patterns and some color, so you have some interest in both rooms, instead of all the blandness. I did notice your inspiration room, 1st picture was very bland and not very interesting. The second one down is a bit better You could use indoor outdoor area type rugs under your table. Kids messes, will come right off, with little effort. Something in a pattern. Colorful pillows on the couch, and maybe some color in the curtains, you put on the windows.

Search on here and also google about painting tile -- it can be done.

You really do like the minimal to no color look! In your inspiration pictures, some rooms are warm and some cool. I think that your flooring calls for a warmer tone - light warm gray, or a rich off white as the first of your inspiration pics show. Don't match the trims in the rooms, go with a deeper toned white.

If you want to try a rug, look for indoor-outdoor if you are worried about spills. Many have nice texture for indoor use. Also I have found that a good quality wool flat weave is pretty easy to clean -- if you notice the spills pretty quickly.

I agree with more lighting in the kitchen -- a bigger or multiple pendants over the island (maybe a slightly smaller version of the dining table chandy?) and since the cans don't seem to be optimally placed in the kitchen, do see if you can add undercabinet lights. I recommend 3000-3200K LEDs which produce a nice white that doesn't lean blue like "daylight" (5000k) bulbs do.

What a beautiful home! I say yes to choosing a bright color that you love and use it to spice up your rooms. On things, like pillows, artwork, or kitchen accessories, that can be changed with little cost. You have made a warm and welcoming space here! Bravo!

Your space is very very close to your inspiration. I worry that you will not be happy painting your backsplash tile white. Painting over tile can sometimes cheapen the pretty tile you already have. Rather paint the walls. If changing the backsplash is not in the budget, keep the gray tile and look into under cab lighting to bring in light.

Curtains? Sheer or if you are going with white a very light in feel fabric.

Light fixtures... Notice that your inspiration pics have great light fixtures. See if you can find some on Houzz to replace the lights you have. See if you can find the light fixtures brand and type and replace yours with some like your photos.

I COULD JUST HUG YOU ALL!

You have gave me a great place to start! I will get on things and keep you updated with the painting and lights!

Another option is to just paint the uppers and leave the island and lower cabs the stain color they are. Does your stain have a greyed-tone?

Ooh, I like that Progress Lighting chandy, that would be perfect over the island, don't you think?

I thought you might like to see this color palette, since it is similar to your inspirations -- but thinking of the pale blue (Valspar Ice Rink) for your walls.

how am I just seeming these other comments now! thank you

I like that color pallet but I'm always hesitant when I comes to color so the blue does scare me. but I kind of like that color scheme for our master bedroom I need help with on another post.

so far I have a painting estimate done (thinking of a off white warm neutral like polar bear or maybe a the lightest warm grey or brpwn) and not to patiently waiting for all my new lighting to arrive. Will keep you posted!