Post a clear close up of the counter.

I would paint the walls beige with under cabinet lighting :)

I would have to suggest painting the room in a pale cream. Invest in a glass splash back to run the length of the work surface underneath the wall cupboards. My preference would be an orange to inject some vibrant colour into this room.

I will have to get a close up of the counter.

Are your floor terrazzo? Under cabinet lighting would definitely add to your kitchen.

Floor is just old. Haven't gotten that far yet. I know I'm doing everything wrong and I am feeling overwhelmed and frustrated already. Not good with projects. I don't know what a terrazzo floor is. Budget is small and getting smaller due to daughter's upcoming wedding.

Hi Gail! Looks like a lovely area! I would consider painting the walls gray, as it is a very hot color right now and is versatile. Here is an example of bar stools that I would put with gray so you can get an idea :
http://deciture.com/shop/furniture/7/custom-roll-back-bar-stool/ (comes in turquoise too)


http://deciture.com/shop/furniture/9/driftwood-ikat-reese-barstool/

Hope that helps!

You have a lot of neutral there and It looks as if it could handle a good pop of color. What colors are in your adjoining rooms? I would play from that and "cross-pollinate" so to speak. Be bold! Colors are fun.

Just to help you with the process a little, paint is usually the last thing we as designers typically select. I agree with a previous post, that I would hate for you to invest in a remodel only to sell and have the homeowner rip it out, and as far as a backsplash is concerned, they way your kitchen is laid out, where would you stop it? Simple updates you can do is updating the adding under cabinet lighting, and possibly two mini drop pendants over the L part of the counter and treat it more like a bar/island area. Or you could just update your center light fixture, a semi flush mount drum fixture would be nice. Adding a fabric roller shade with a fun texture or color would help brighten it up a bit. Flooring options to be considered yet? Good luck!

Love the lighting ideas. The rest of the house is beige wallpaper (textured) in every room except the hallway which has kind of a cool gold roses pattern. The bachelor that owned the house before use did not do much decorating/updating. We had the original Tappan appliances. I'm a Leo so I do like bold colors.

A Semi-flush is a great idea - just make sure it doesn't drop too low where you feel like you have to duck :) The fixture can also be mounted as a semi-flush. Also, I can't tell because of the glare but is the light over the sink on the ceiling or wall?

The single semi flush light fixture in the center of the kitchen leaves the space a little dim. I would recommend 6 recessed can lights to really brighten the room first.