We don't see what you own, this is someone else's furniture. Show us what you plan to use in this space.

spindle chairs by window. dining table similar to this. still looking for chairs not sure what color/style. what i dislike is how dark kitchen is. Was wondering if a hardware change or light fixture change may help? i’ve neber had or decorated with dark counters/color backsplash

Paint the kitchen ceiling light blue.

that is a great idea, thank you for commenting. what about light fixtures or hardware? along with paint, i feel like those often make a big change for lower cost

I like your choice of furniture. Just wondering, your picture is a bit dark, are that kitchen cabinets white or gray?

I would get rid of the gray matchstick mosaic backsplash and the 4" backsplash. Removing them will give you many options to freshen up the look of the kitchen.

yes, sorry for the dark pics, it is from picture. cabinets are white.

I think to comment on light fixtures and cabinet hardware, we need to see more of your own style and preferences. Do you have some inspo pictures? I like where you’re going so far, and I think the existing lighting is quite pretty…..but, especially in the dining room fixture, it’s perhaps prettier to look at than to provide good light. Dimmers are everyone’s best friend. Tell us more!

i absolutely love serena and lily, so trying to recreate a similar look without the large price tag for every item. going for coastal, classic. whites, navy, cream. attaching pics of sectional sofa and navy rug which will be to left next to window (where spindle chairs will be) also planning on sisal rug under table, and deciding between these dining chairs. sorry not sure how to do a inspo board!!

For your kitchen, I've brighten the white which looked gray on my screen.

Replaced all the cabinet hardware with brass along with the faucet and pendant. You can place a washable runner along the counter, the one shown is by Ruggable available in different lengths and also in different colours and styles. I've removed from the picture the dark gray backsplash that can be replaced with white tiles, you have different options in shapes of tiles and different patterns to install the tiles such as herringbone for one.

oh my goodness!! what a huge difference!! thank you so much for doing that!

A nice coordinating roman shade on the kitchen window would complete the look!

If you are going to change the backsplash then I'd go with brass hardware and a brass faucet and light fixture as in Lisedv's great pics.

But, if you are not going to change the splash, then grab some inexpensive cabinet hardware in polished chrome. It is a half-hour makeover and will bring a bit more gleam to the room.

A friend wanted to change the dark splash in a new home but didn't have the money to retile. She painted the existing splash. It came out phenominally well and has been going strong for 4 years. For lightening up your space, I'd consider it too.

Yup, the backsplash is the party pooper. You’re inheriting a nice black and white kitchen, which allows you to add any color you love for accents. Changing the hardware is a great first step (I like the brass or gold idea). Then go for a rug and window treatment a la lisedv’s idea.

Keeping your furniture neutral (with creamy fabrics and natural woven rugs) is going to be lovely. Adding light blue or pale greens will be consistent with your coastal goal.

@RedRyder - is spot on - you are lucky to have a nice white and black kitchen as your starting point. You have many options - but using light blue/pale greens will be a nice costal/lake type vibe.

I really like the options provided by @lisedv. If you can remove the backsplash tile, you could either (i) remove the 4" counter splash + install a new tile backsplash, or (ii) leave the current 4" countertop backsplash piece + simply paint the walls above. My understanding is that it is typically easier to cut out the drywall and replace it with new drywall if you decide to remove the tile backsplash due to the amount of damage caused by removing the tile.

However, I'm not sure how that works if you decide to keep the current 4" piece. You may be able to remove the 4" piece without damaging it - then you can simply have it reinstalled after the new drywall is installed. I know that I've read advice from many pros (and others) that removing the 4" is not difficult - however, I don't know how that advice applies if you want to keep it in one piece.

i so appdeciate all these wonderful comments/suggestions! we started moving in on Saturday, i will keep posted the progress! Thank you thank you!

Let us know when you’re more settled and we can make some suggestions on accessories to brighten up the kitchen. Congratulations on a new house!