Use a light natural rug, like this, under the dining table, just like you mentioned. Your cabinets and stools are black and white, so go white with black details, glass top with black metalwork, or black wood with white upholstery for the dining set. Those are also your ideas, just framed with a little more detail.

If you like modern and scandi, paint the walls a true white. That's a staple of both and will seriously neutralize this space. If you don't want white walls around your white cabinets, I'd recommend a very light, sagey grey just in the kitchen area. But, if you do white walls around those cabinets, it will do a better job of highlighting the height of your ceilings. I've come to loathe true white walls, but even I think that's the right move for your taste in your space. Also, I think your ceiling is off white?... Paint it white.

Have you considered minimalist art in black and white? A print of one or several of Picasso's line drawings would be excellent. I'd also switch out the pendant lights for something lower profile in matte black given your taste (example 1, example 2). You can keep the other hardware in silver though. You don't have to change it all. If you do decide to change the cabinet hardware, go thinner and lower profile, like this.

And, while you like black and white and not rustic, Scandi design can be very textural and tends to include multiple natural elements. I'd encourage the use of some very light colored or white washed woven baskets, handmade white and black ceramics (example 1, example 2, example 3), and maybe some birch bark focused decor (example 1, example 2, example 3).

Yikes, sorry but that island just does not belong in that kitchen. Either the black counter tops have to go or the island. Not sure if you moved in yet but those pictures are all begging for some softness, and warmth across the board. Bring on the textiles area rugs/drapery/upholstry SOMETHING!!

scandi can be a lot of things but beautiful wood should be kept. the area to the right of fridge could be replaced with wood cabs in same configuration as what you have....maybe light slate blue painted cabs there [ nice] ...... Put some glass doors on cabs over around sink and youd be fine. The walls should be painted lighter.

Warm woods are right in style. Black counters, not so much.

Are these the choices of the previous owners? Is this pic with your things or theirs?

It will be tough to find a pure white wall color that will work with your ceilings, trim, tile and cabinets. I would consider something with just a hint of color so the light walls look intentional and not a haphazard matching attempt.

Are the floors installed under the island or do they run just against it? If it doesn't mess up the floors, I would consider pulling the whole thing out. It's way too dark and too big.

I never even noticed the ceiling color til now! Holy buckets... OK: island & butcher block have to stay, hubbs loves them, counters have to stay for now. Table (banged up) & stools are just temporary, we moved in w/very little, hoping to start fresh, but now I’m overwhelmed. Like idea of cool toned beige/white rug, black table (maybe) & simple, white upholstered chairs. Here’s another stumper: Previous curtains were hung low, just above the built-in/window. took em down, but with that higher window/slanted ceiling hugging the top right corner of the built-in window, not sure what to do, considered doing none because of that. Do the rods have to be the same height when close in proximity to each other? THANK YOU for all your comments!

Paint ceiling stark raving white;^) SW has a reflective that I like. Paint walls very light, becareful to not compete with white cabinets, if they are a warm white go very light, barely warm white. Find varigated, light green plants and definitely a wheat colored rug. Look into spalted maple with irregular natural edges to bridge dark and light woods for table. Re-evaluate 😁 ps, LOVE the island

I think you need to paint/re-do/rip out the built in. It’s really the oddball in the room.

I’d have to paint the built-in, as the windows go around it 😬 (definitely one thing I’d for sure have done differently if I was previous owners!) I’m considering painting them white, but that’s further down my massive list 😩😂

I don't like the muddy wall and ceiling colors with the cabinets, and especially not with the white trim. I'd choose a paint that has a cleaner tone -- you have so many choices with your white cabinetry, think about the overall direction you want to take things. I think a soft, clean green would look beautiful, but that is more of an airy vibe with the white cabinets, not sure if that's what you'd be going for. If you like dark, keep the tone clean -- no mud!

That’s the first thing I said to my hubby when we saw this house, “I’ll need to paint immediately” 🙂 but I never noticed the ceilings... don’t know if he’s going to accept the idea of painting the ceilings of this huge (to us) house so I may need to find a light wall color that won’t clash 😬

I agree, wall and ceiling paint color not complimentary to the rest of the area!

If you are under 40 then learn how to paint the walls yourself and only pay someone to do the harder ceilings or very tall walls. I've even hired painters and worked along with them. I did all my own painting in my younger years and I had little kids. I would paint when they napped or after everyone went to bed at night. When they got older I would paint while they were at school.

That's a built in? Bizarre. With the windows shaped that way, you'll need something there unless you want to replace the windows. if you remove this built in without replacing the windows, be ready to add a new built in of just 1' deep bookshelves. Again, paint it white.

I don't see a way around painting the ceiling, but it also isn't that big of a deal to paint a ceiling, especially if you paint it the same color as your walls (no tape needed up high). Get a ladder and an arm for your roller/brush.

The color of the walls, the butcher block countertop and the floor made your space looks dark and warm. Try refinishing your butcher block to a lighter color and if you like a very light gray paint color which is a beautiful contrast to your kitchen. Try SW Olympus White. It will make a huge difference just to change your wall color for a start.

I'd use a neutral white with a tiny hint of green for the walls, and bright white ceilings. You may not need a rug under the table - I would wait on that. I'd look for a wood table that coordinates with your other woods, and use modern white chairs. Just changing the wall color will make all the difference! The combination of whites, dark wood, and greens from your plants and artwork will make a beautiful space.

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Once your walls are white, you can accent with deep greens in just the dining area, just the kitchen walls, or other rooms if you want a more dramatic space.

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I’m so grateful for you all! These ceilings (extremely high) are an unexpected obstacle 😩 I can see my hubby’s face already, as just after moving in, we’ve discovered some super costly repairs being needed. I still wanna brighten things up - If unable to paint the ceilings (I can paint walls, but can’t do heights) anyone recommend a bright wall color that won’t scream “ew!” in contrast? How lucky am I that this was flagged by you wonderful ppl before I painted? 🙌🙏 Now we’re cookin’ with GAS!!!!!!!!!

Man, that mossy dark green is horrible.

do you want a white wall? (I also love my plants!) I did Simply White for the walls and the trim.

It's neutral but leans a little towards warm. but definitely not yellow!

Or, try one of these neutral, warmer grays to tone down the deep wood tones

I used Light Pewter in the kitchen area. Or look at Athena or Nimbus (BM) or Pale Oak, they are similar to Light Pewter

Beg and plead w/hub to paint the ceiling. one good coat ought to do it for you.

I'd also paint the built in. I know, I know, but I'd paint it! paint it black. or white. or pick a color.

Agreed with all the above. White walls and paint the built ins. Add textures wherever you can. Rugs. Throw blankets. Pillows. Poufs..... I’m soooo coolllllld lol

You may not be as unhappy with the ceiling color once the walls are a different, lighter color. The ceiling is reflecting some from the green walls; it might look fine once the green is gone.

Olychick, I was wondering the same thing, will start with the walls, light neutral color and go from there. Considering SW Neutral Ground... getting a sample to try in several spots tomorrow. someone above said that if I was under 40 I should paint the walls myself. I’m actually 43 1/2, am I still allowed to try 😂 jkjk just feeling old. I will try painting myself but the vaulted ceilings turn my tummy thinking about it. But if I pull it off, perhaps saved $$$ for ceiling repainting (I’m hiring that out!). Thank you ALL again!!! Such an incredible community here! Namaste

Danni, when I was about 45, I decided I was no longer capable of painting ANYTHING, nor was I ever again able to wash windows. That decision, based on no facts at all except my extreme displeasure at doing either task, allowed me to hire both of those jobs out, as the budget allowed. No $$? No new paint or clean windows. Surprising how quickly I could save $ for either task when I wanted them done!

Ha! Weird, I’m actually deathly allergic to cleaning the kitchen sink and dusting ceiling fans! Can’t do it! Thank God I’m married to a patient, tolerable guy.

Beth H, thx so much for those pix! You gave me a sensational starting point. So appreciate you doing that!