Upgrade what? Lighter colored what?

Theres not much there and between the floor and cabinets i like the cohesive look for a small kitchen. what you need is a moveable cart or simple small island for more landing/ storage for easy pullout of the misc things over to counter when using . its a good kitchen but small and will gain appeal if you can keep a sleek look. It doesnt need paint…How many inches between stove and back of stool ? tape off what would work for size and heres two options for the space you have.. itll clean up your kitchen and let the rich tones have their day again.

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By not being able to change the window color, do you mean you don’t want to paint the window sill? casing? jamb? Because that casing should already be painted a whitish color to disappear into the tile and wall. It doesn’t have to match the other windows in the house.

The sensible color choice for your cabinets would be a very pale grey, or a slightly cool white to harmonize with your existing backsplash and counter top.

By the way, you can remove all of that tile on the sink wall. You already have a backsplash there made of counter material. It would definitely streamline and lighten the look of the space. I would also remove that valence over the window and remove the blinds unless you use them heavily.

Windows are vinyl and not able to paint it. I can change the window trim color. Also I want to renovate whole kitchen including backsplash and cabinets and counter top. Want to go with white oak combination but don’t know how it will look.

You can paint vinyl windows, although ive never done it. But think about what happens if you don’t paint it. Are you going to choose your wood tone to match your vinyl window?

Look for white oak kitchens you like. Inspiration images can be a huge help.

" Also I want to renovate whole kitchen including backsplash and cabinets and counter top."

Are you keeping the exact same layout or looking to improve that? Post up a floor plan with ALL dimensions for the best advice.

So, this is a "gut" remodel? New cabinets, etc.?

If so, I suggest reading the Featured Answer of the "New to Kitchens? Read Me First!" thread for what information we need to give you the best help.

If you could find a place to store most of the items on your counters (like the cart mentioned above) I think that would help. I'd also remove the stuff sitting on the valance over the window, and see if you can remove the valance itself.

Then, answer the questions above.