I would consider changing knobs to black, the overhead light to a semiflush mount, and painting the room a soft white so the appliances blend in better. I think the pretty rug will pop more with a white room. Hard to see what backsplash looks like so not sure on faucet finish, perhaps black. Good luck!

No matter what your style IMO a kitchen needs good lighting and that is where I would start and that does not mean one center light so maybe check out track light to stay in budget . Something like this maybe in the center and make sure all the bulbs for any lighting are LEDs 4000K do not do any Edison bulbs in any fixture .Make sure you have the lighting before choosing wall color .

Excellent ideas, so helpful. I can visualize these suggestions, which is sometimes hard for me.

I have already made the mistake of clear glass shades and Edison bulbs, so completely agree! I like your idea of track lighting and appreciate the example. Thanks so much!

I agree with black knobs, if your dishwasher and stove are in good shape, consider having them sprayed black, don’t try it yourself, an automotive paint shop can do It. If they’re not in good shape, swapping theses for nice stainless would be a huge upgrade for this kitchen. Also include vent hood. Having said that, I think the cabinets and counters look really good. A few upgrades and you’ll have a fabulous kitchen.

Thanks for the creative idea! i like white appliances, but not in this kitchen. I would love new stainless oven and vent hood at the very least.

Great ideas on black faucet, knobs/handles, & adding more lighting in black. I would definitely not spray the appliances black, the white are fine, stainless when you can do all. A different wall color would help a lot. I can’t really see the 4 things above the stove but I would remove them.
Add black, white, and the red color to match the rug in accessories - black & white check or stripe to make the white appliances work. If there is room a green plant somewhere. The cabinets, counter tops, and rug look great!!

The black counters with the white appliances is your major issue, beyond the lighting. They are too dark in contrast with the wood. Easiest to change would be to replace the black counters with white counters, and then the white appliances wouldn’t feel so stark, as they would have the horizontal band of white connecting and unifying them.

Agree to upgrade your lighting FIRST. Black hardware and soft off-white (not white-white) walls would look great. After you change the lighting and hardware, come back for help with white white paint will work for the walls.

Thanks ram123! The wall color really bothers me, too. There are 5 small square Moravian tiles above the stove and I know they look odd there, but whenever we have moved, we bring a small element from our previous kitchen to our new one. So they will stay since they have personal meaning. Thanks again for your helpful ideas!

RedRyder, do you think that the existing white on the door and trim, Behr Swiss Coffee, would work as the white for the wall? Thank you!

Verbo, thank you and yes, I know you are correct that the stark black/white is an issue given the other challenges. i can’t switch the counters at this time, and I have seen many maple kitchens with black as well as with lighter counters. I think eventually there will be a solution taking my constraints into consideration. Thanks again!

It doesn't look like you have a whole lot of wall to paint, so I would paint the walls in a darker more dramatic color. Green, navy or charcoal would give a nice contrast. White could look a bit blah.

Thanks Diana! A dark color had not occurred to me since the room tends to look somewhat dark because of poor lighting and north side of house. I am not a fan of charcoal but love most deep greens. Thanks again!

Mainenell, thanks for your thoughts. The SC color is really versatile and seems to work well in different lighting situations. Best wishes in your new home!

You can make this kitchen adorable on a dime. Agree with new lighting, black hardware with a strong profile, paint walls same color as door which will brighten things up and remove the door as focal point (which it is now). Change or paint backsplash to light color, as well (yes, paint. With the right primer it will look good and hold up just fine…lots of examples online and if you’re really ambitious you could stencil a design). Tie everything together with a Roman shade in a pretty fabric that brings in the other colors, mounted at ceiling height.

Your posted pictures don't open up, but I think a sheet of stainless steel behind the stove in full length height to the vent, may break up the backsplash a bit.

I do like the black lighting and cabinet hardware for your cabinet color that posters have suggested.

Some inspiration:

The Beaver Dam- Kitchen, Bar, Living Room, Sunroom · More Info

Thank you for this idea. If the appliances were stainless rather than white it would be good possibility. I do like the look in what youve shared.

Paint the door the color of the walls so that it recedes.