IIMO a n island light should light the island and maybe one with 3500 K LED bulbs would be abetter choice . I really do not think the window needs a curtain. As for stools I usually like colored stools to bring a bit of fun into a kitchen THese are my orange ones in a white and stainless kitchen . BTW all my lighting is 4000K LED IMo a kitchen should be lit like an operating room with lighting in different areas on different switches when you are not working .

Try 3,000k lighting. 3,500 and 4,000 is pretty cool. If you're trying to warm things up that is probably not the direction to go in. You've got gray cabinets, gray flooring, brushed nickel pulls and light fixture. No wonder you want to warm things up. I would first change the backsplash to a solid color cream (the background color of the countertop). Then look at light fixtures - there are hundreds of them. A lot of people use champagne brass these days, but I don't think that would work for you, the cabinet color doesn't look like it would go. Maybe if you can replace the pulls too. If the light fixture is the only brass element it will probably look out of place. You could always get a few sample pulls to see how the color looks in your kitchen.

Of course good lighting will definitely brighten your kitchen which to me is lacking some bling to bring it to life. Here are my suggestions:

- Paint the walls in a warm white that coordinates with your countertop (make tests)

- Replace the backspash with a glossy cream colour tile (pick the lightest from your countertop

- Install under cabinet lighting if you don't already have some

- You seem to have brushed nickel pulls, replace them with polished nickle (polished finishes offer a smooth and reflective surface, while brushed or distressed finishes provide a more aged appearance)

- Replace your pendant with one that has more presence in a polished finish

- Install a light colour runner on the dark floor (the ones shown are from Ruggable and go to washer/dryer)

Just realized you also wanted suggestions for counter stools. I would get something in a light colour that that brings in some texture...

Anything with barb bulbs will be a problem. The bulbs should be dialed down enough so they appear to only be candlelight. That ithen becomes an issue if this is intended to be task lighting for work on the island.

West Elm 48" fixture

the things you have chosen will not create a major adjustment in the overall appearance of the space. i see blue on the walls thru the passage. i'd pick a pendant and stools w blue/ black to get the focus off the all gray...but yet things have to work w the cabinets...there is a lot of the same cabinet shade. maybe later on you can consider painting the island...doesnt seem to be your option now. Theres a dark grout line in the floor .... id pick a matte black simple handle for the cabinetry. matte black will actually feel a little warmer/softer than all the nickel/stainless. the backsplash needs to be changed to a simple off white ..thats a given.

these choices will pretty it up and still work w the gray . not certain if you want a couple smaller pendants or bigger single piece..... i kind of favour the smaller size..use 2 or 3? and situate them a bit higher..the island is not large and there is a lot of movement around there it appears.

Modern Clear Water Glass Jar Pendant Light For Over Dining Room Table, Blue · More Info

301 Lucent: Single Pendant Light, Steel Blue, Matte Black, 4 Watt · More Info

Modern Marble Art Glass Pendant Light With Brushed Nickel Finished, Blue · More Info

Athena 31" Swivel Black Wood Bar Stool, Blue Fabric With Black Metal · More Info

Changing the Kelvin color temperature of the light 'bulbs' is an easy fix to feel "warmth." However, if your colors are say "cool greys" instead of "warm greys," going to a softer light may give a perception of colors that are not what you expected. It is always good to experiment with color temperature.

For the recessed lights, if they are integral LED without a color selectable switch (vs screw in Edison 'bulbs'), then you'd have to change the entire recessed fixtures. It also looks like you may not be happy with recessed placement causing a hot spot on the hood, unless it is a coincidence that light burnt out.

I realized that one of the pictures shows a blue wall bit it was painted this weekend to a taupe color to match the other walls.

Good afternoon Carmen,

Here are a few ideas to warm up your space:

Cloud Pendants

Voyage Twigs Pendants

For more ideas can head over to www.galileelighting.com

Any questions feel free to email me at support@galileelighting.com

Hope this helps! Have a good week!

The biggest bang for your buck would be to replace the gray flooring with real wood in a medium brown.

Looks like that flooring continues throughtout the adjoining rooms.