Not sure how paint would look on reclaimed wood, but how about a large kitchen rug to bring in color and break up the expanse of wood on the floor. Perhaps a short coordinating fabric outside mounted on your window to cover the upper trim and mounted high to not block the view? Would you consider new light fixtures (or maybe "whiter" bulbs)?

I think I would try accessorizing to minimize the wood-feel before painting. Not a pro though.

I did not think of that, thanks !

I say don't paint them. Try lots of other things first. I like the idea of an area rug. I'd also look for a less traditional ceiling light with more bulbs. More lights would brighten up the room. Also if you don't already have it, lighting under your upper cabinets would help too.

I love how it looks as is, but agree with Gcubed on things to try. Painting any of that wood would be a huge job with a questionable result.

Thanks! The lights match the others in the house, but I agree that is does make the kitchen more ”yellow”... I think you may be right that accessories may be the way to distract from the wood

for sure get new lights. and cooler bulbs. 3500-4000K would give you better light.

I think the school house lights would fit your decor

If you don't like those, try a few of these

I have this one (or similar to it) in my pantry area and it gives some nice, bright light.

I'd prob paint your walls a nice white. with all that wood, a crisp white would look nice. BM Simply White or White Dove would work.

try a runner in front of the cabinets-sink to break up some of the wood (whatever colors you like)

You could also paint the back panel, inside your glass cabinets, a bright color (white, or pale blue or green) to add a little color and break up the wood look

lastly, install some under cabinet lighting. you barely have enough light in there as it is, but w/the dark counters and cabs, it sucks up what little there is.

In addition to updated lighting, I would consider a lighter countertop and backsplash. I would not paint the cabs. Very light sage green wall paint and area rug might help And go with your wood.

New lighter granite for sure. I would also declutter. Get the toaster in a cabinet get the stuff off the top of the fridge and find a smaller subtle print for the cushions on the bench. I like the light walls and dont paint the cabinets!

I love wood and think it would look great if you can tone it down with accessories and lighting. Is there a dark backsplash? Hard to tell from the pic.

Saw this from Maria Killam recently, in case it gives any ideas: https://www.mariakillam.com/design-rustic-kitchen-makeoever-before-after/

Thanks!, the backsplash is forest green, see pic

Not one drop of paint on that gorgeous wood! So unique. What does your house look like? Love, love your wood.

I would change the lighting to the schoolhouse as mentioned above, consider lighter countertop and/or backsplash and get a big, ol braided rug.

The rest of my house looks similar, with various added other character. It was once noted by a guest that I live in “Noah’s Ark” 😂. I guess that’s why I’m feeling like it’s too much wood, hence questioning picking up a paintbrush!!😂

Theyre really too rustic to paint seccessfully. Normally? Yes. Not here, Brighten it up with more lighting, a counter change.

Flooring could be painted. Blue paint possibly only to a small area of cabinets. Also, window seating update of fabric, rug and lighting as mentioned above in thread could lighten this space. Depends on budget and other spaces to harmonize. Backsplash and countertops if in budget. Many options to break up the wood before painting cabinets.

start with new ceiling lights in there first. then some under cabinet light.

what's the countertop? can you afford to put in a new one? For as little space that you have, check for a remnant. A nice white quartz would update it. Marble would be beautiful. And yes, next would be the backsplash. (if you're up for all of that). doesn't have to be costly if you know how to shop.

(i used 3 diff lights here so you could see the diff in looks) and tried to put in a lighter counter and splash...

you want to end up w/something like these (counter color/backsplash color)

I think your cabs would look great if you did the countertop/splash like these, and brought in a light color runner for in front of the sink. (and the lights).

Thanks! Some great ideas and thoughts here! The counter is new so I would hope to avoid that but the backsplash could be changed if anyone has thoughts on how to tie that in with the counter? It’s kind of a black marble counter...

lights can be changed😊 rug and window seat can be changed too😊

I just updated my first photo up above. put in 3 diff lights. u like any of those? make sure you get a LED bulb in the 3500-4000K range in about 60-75W. if you find a fixture w/2-3 bulbs in each one, it should make a diff. if you only have 1 bulb in a new fixture, make sure the glass isn't diffused or colored yellow, and make the bulb 80-100watts

as for the tile, maybe something like this one?

I do like those lights! You are all right that that is where I should start! Can white backsplash go with black marble (white streaks )? i do like that and it would brighten it up for sure!

following

following

yes it would go. I'd do more of a farmhouse type of tile (last pic above) or like this farmhouse style

https://www.cletile.com/products/modern-farmhouse-brick-2x9-matte-white?variant=12249565200455

or more of a creamy white if you think this shade works better.

https://tilebar.com/collection/tile-mosaic-collections/cadenza.html

any chance of doing these arm sconces (not exactly this one) over the window?

or like these,,,maybe the pendants.

another backsplash option is to do this type of shiplap starting from the bench area, all the way up and over the window and behind your countertop. (instead of doing tile). just another option.

for the bench, try a cushion and pillows like these (notice the ship lap and sconces)

vertical boards. light and airy cushion

shiplap..and I like this blue color w/your wood

runner. white walls.

OP, you need to start by getting rid of lots of stuff. You have a fly swatter over top hanging art of moose!! You have a TELEPHONE on the wall!!!! It doesn’t matter what you do, you will not be happy with it unless you remove all that stuff from view. The shelves above the microwave are packed. Do you really use all those cookbooks? It’s such a cool kitchen, with the few tweaks mentioned above, it will be outstanding! The wood should be the main attraction.

Yes, I will de clutter . I’m a clean and organized person actually, but you are right. Yes, I love to cook and use many cookbooks!

Beth: these are such great ideas! I will start implementing them and feel so relieved that I don‘t have to paint these unique cabinets in order to lighten the look!

Reclaimed wood with light countertops/backsplash:

It’s too bad the counters can’t change because that and the backsplash is all you need:

https://www.mariakillam.com/design-rustic-kitchen-makeoever-before-after/

I’ll start with backsplash and can change counter down the road if it’s not enough😊

I really like your kitchen, and I love the window seat! What a great spot to relax and enjoy the view. Declutter, lighter backsplash, under cabinet lights and done. I even like your light fixtures.

If you have budget for back splash, lighten that up. Declutter, then colorful rug on the floor (+/- window treatment). Under cabinet lights and new bulbs or new fixtues and I think you'll feel like you have a new kitchen!

It's a fascinating kitchen with lots of interesting touches like the sloped backrest on the window seat and the rock handles on the drawers. Were you the one who chose it or was it a previous owner?

Adding undercabinet lighting would brighten up the room and show off both the green backsplash and dark countertops, in addition to changing the ceiling fixtures as you already plan to do.

I LOVE the rustic cabinets and agree with the advice given here...new lights, a rug, new fabric on the window seat, de clutter, etc. You can also always paint the backsplash tile white or another color to see how it looks before you commit to new tile. I think rustic white subway tile would look good, or even black! Or these super cool rustic star tiles...

So, in answer to Apple pie’s question; my husband did all the work here. Over the years the wood aspect got “ out of control” and as we both agree, “ too much of a good thing”.....

so now we are trying to trying to rein it in and have an updated more modern look without taking the cupboards out.

there have been lots of great ideas that my hubby and I are excited to implement, so thank you all!!! He is also very relieved that he doesn’t have to paint his cupboards (which was my idea!)

I have already de cluttered The kitchen (even the cookbooks)!

What a fantastic job he did! Show us a current picture, please.

I personally think the amount of "stuff" visible in a kitchen should be determined by you and how you use the space. It has no effect on the darkness of the space. The other ideas mentioned are where you should start. Don't remove cookbooks that you are actually using. The area around the microwave looks like an open pantry/appliance storage spot. Let it be that! Don't let a minimalist talk you into changing your kitchen's personality.

Nothing to add--I think you are on the right track. I just wanted to say that your cabinets are stunningly gorgeous. I am so jealous and so glad you aren't going to paint them.

The de clutter is already making a difference! Lights next! Oh, and I’m refinishing the kitchen floor this week to make it “new” again😊

I take back my suggestion about new countertops now that I see you have rock slab countertops. Your kitchen is unique, handmade, and wonderful. Just do the lighting tweaks, great rug, recover window seat and enjoy your amazing place.

I don’t think painting the floor is an option as it butts up against these floors. So I’m refinishing them with clear. Im excited about the rug idea to break it up ; maybe a dark blue if I can find it😊. Thanks for the thought though!

Here’s a link to Maria Killam’s take on this type of dilemma:
https://www.mariakillam.com/design-rustic-kitchen-makeoever-before-after/
Hope it helps.

Just to say that I've seen kitchens with a different floor stain or color - if not very open to other room, that's better.

seagrass -

Safavieh Natural Fiber Collection NF445 Rug, Rust, 4'x6' · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/safavieh-natural-fiber-rug-rust-4-x6-prvw-vr~51645873

Safavieh Natural Fiber Collection NF451 Rug, Charcoal/Green, 3'x5' · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/safavieh-berno-natural-fiber-rug-charcoal-and-green-3-x5-prvw-vr~51646212

Rustic white subway tile....

Love the inlaid wood floor and, of course, the dog.

Agree, cute pup. The area around your stove could be all stainless. This would look great.