Maybe try something like this for paint, counters and backsplash. Before you install a new backsplash, ensue it goes down to the counter top. Don’t do that 4inch strip if counter material. I’d also add in 1 modern runner in a cream and charcoal and get rid of those little pads you have on the floor that don’t seem to relate to anything we can see. How far and wide does that flooring material go? Because replacing that to something lighter would help, too.

Totally agree about the backsplash! We plan to remove that 4 inch portion. Our flooring unfortunately is in our whole downstairs and would rather not replace due to cost.

As for a runner, do you have any ideas that wouldn’t get dirty easily? I have two toddlers and worry to out something that’s hard to keep clean on the floors.

Hi Lisa,
I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but wool rugs are the very easiest to spot clean. That said, there are many inexpensive runner options out there. If one gets ruined beyond repair, it’s not too terrible to replace. Here are a couple of design options that might work if you go with the white toned counter and backsplash from the inspiration photo I previously sent

https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjV3bOJ57f5AhV2IK0GHcadBLcYABAKGgJwdg&ae=2&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESbeD29ive82tZkhVRGs7eLgEk0RI2KkUErTa-aZz6NTqVLuHwXxpyG0n18qPYOf9TCdV7-BcfzjGfvcDIBlntbocTD_I71Nejen6A-cHfItWdZxVasRmn52twn5CSVGm-RVIxu13v7XvrcV9BaDo&sig=AOD64_0zeFolHo36cXoYn720RfoDr_naag&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiKgquJ57f5AhXBATQIHfumAO4Qwg8oAHoECAMQLA&nis=2&dct=1&adurl=

And this one from Wayfair.

I think changing the backsplash and painting the walls will be enough. With little kids I don't think dark cabinets are a bad idea. Since they're only five years old it is way too soon to paint them. A painted on site finish is never going to be as durable as a factory finish. I like Edgecomb Gray, I have it in my bedroom, but I wonder if it isn't going to be a little blah in your kitchen. Do some test spots and see what you think. If the kitchen is open to the family room are there colors used in that room that you could use instead in a subtle way that would add interest?

I think you're on the right track -- paint and backsplash. I don't know Edgecomb Gray but if it does have gray undertones I'd rethink it. I'd be looking at creamy tile and paint that blends nicely with your countertops. And I'd avoid rugs, except maybe at the sink -- they get so grimy in a working kitchen and who needs the extra laundry?

Looks like you have a pantry. If so, can you move some of the appliances off the counters and into the pantry? Then you can add a couple of bright, cheerful items -- a beautiful bowl with fresh fruit, a piece of decorative pottery, a trivet next to the stove, etc. Treat yourself to some colorful dishtowels and pot holders and an occasional bouquet of flowers (Trader Joes!). Add some art to adjacent walls and your kitchen will be great.

P.S. Take a trip to Ikea for inspiration.

Thanks for your thoughts!! I would remove more appliances but my husband uses these appliances every day sometimes multiples time a day since he works from home. We are a cooking family lol.

Here is a pic of my countertops. Any suggestions for paint color?

Agree with under cabinet lights; huge gain in brightness and function. Plus nice to leave on at night while in another room.

IMO brightening a space starts with better lighting so change all the bulbs to LED 4000K then add the under cabinet lighting in the same LED color then decide if you need anything else .Those rugs are pretty weird for a kitchen maybe one in front of the sink in a color you use for an accent on the counter .I just realized you have atoddler so maybe the rugs can stay for awhile .

some suggestions.

c-below for paint colors

replace door knobs w/pulls.

think about doing some glass in the uppers. (it will help to break up all the dark)

see this one?

instead of 3 small rugs, do one large one, lighter color.

consider doing a small island in a light color or white, with wood top or solid white surface

repaint

remove all backsplash and tile down to countertop.

Under cabinet lighting is also a good suggestion. Look at how bright this dark kitchen was changed.

that white tile backsplash and some really good led lighting (and glass in the uppers) brightens up this no window space.

here's one rendition for yours w/some of the suggestions:

any of these colors should work

another dark cab kitchen w/pulls, not knobs, white tile splash and some good lighting

some white tile suggestions:

dark cabs w/white tile and white countertops, good lighting

white walls, white tile, pulls, lights.

small fixed island idea

this size kitchen rug in lighter colors

Virtually painted the walls and backsplash (not suggesting you paint the backsplash; it's just an easy way to mock-up a color change). This rug is washable (https://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-brenda-hazy-heraldry-washable/Beige/200HJAU13A-S808.html). Ruggables offers a wide selection of washable rugs; indoor/outdoor

Here it is with just the wall and backsplash

These look like good cabinets, and undoubtely, you need upper cabinets for dishes.

I wonder if two-toning might work out for you. I'm thinking paint frames of the upper cabinets and replace doors with glass doors.

Even if the cabinets are of excellent quality, if they dominate the space and you don't like them....

Also, try to brighten up with handles and pulls that sparkle.

Beth's photos with white counter surfaces and backsplash look great.

Show us as you're in progress.

Thank you all for the suggestions! Love the tile and paint ideas. I don’t like the idea of a large rug in our kitchen since I have a high chair and learning tower around and need to keep things minimal for my crazy toddlers. I can’t change the countertops due to cost but will definitely redo the backsplash to brighten and add under cabinet lighting.

Excuse fhe mess, but this is my kitchen with dark cabs, cloe tile.

We are moving in a few years so really don’t want to replace counters if I don’t have to even though I don’t like the yellow granite. Wish I had white but oh well! I do like the idea of a creamy tile for the backsplash to brighten things up.

There are washable rug and runner options, especially with littles ones. I have Ruggable runners and with two large dogs running around they still stay put.

Lisa, you asked for advice on how to 'brighten'. the rug is a big componant of that advice.

(when you do retile, don't tile the wall side next to pantry. leave it painted)

I still do the glass in a few doors, the hardware, the rug, paint, tile and find a small island to buy up some of that space in the middle. and you'll get some extra working space.

If you are moving in a few years, backsplash and paint is probably all I would do. I agree with Beth and others that a rug would help lighten, but I understand your hesitation with little ones. I don't have many area carpets due to my siblings using walkers and the trip hazard they pose.

Test Edgecomb gray throughout your downstairs and make sure it works well with all your furniture and the countertop and before buying a can of paint find your backsplash and see that all three colors look good together (countertop, walls and backsplash) and none of them bring out something unwanted in the other two.

You only think neutrals and whites are easy when you haven't tried to mix and match with all neutrals and whites,

Before you do anything else, I'd suggest adding more light. Under counter lights and top of cabinet lights would be my first suggestion. I wouldn't even redo the backsplash--plow the cash into creating some lighting where you can flick a switch (or control a dimmer) and have a bit of ambiance. I'm not saying the backsplash is brilliant, it's just that changing it won't bring in more light, and once you have control over your lighting, it will sort of fade into the background.

Heck, get some of those string lights (Costco?) for over the cabinets where you can change the color and have a little fun! Entertain the kids by changing the lights!

In all seriousness, I used to work with an odd but super-talented guy who always said "When I'm done lighting this room, people won't know whether they're in Tijuana or the Taj Mahal!" Which was probably incredibly inappropriate in so many ways. But he was right--lighting created a sense of place, and ambiance, and I think that's what you need.

Also a couple of plants, and some slightly larger, rectangular, light or bright colored rugs/runners that will take up a bit more floor space.