One radical idea is to paint the cabinets black.

@Dytecture That idea crossed my mind, too. It makes me nervous though, and I'll tell you why: The only two windows in my loft are 9' x 3' and face the alley.

Black cabinets would be super radical though. Thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate your input!

I love all that brick. What about painting the wall a color that's warm that will really make the brick pop. Maybe adding some hardware to the cabinets and drawers. Possibly a rug to tie everything together.

I would paint the wall an accident color to brighten it up.. change out the appliances. Not the norm stainless steel.. I would use retro appliances that would match the accent wall.

Christine, there are hints of burnt orange and terracotta in the brick which are colors that would compliment my living area very nicely. There are also a few shades of green, which I've contemplated, however my countertops are a dark ugly green (unfortunately).

I would love to add hardware, but the next question is what type of finish?

Thanks for your advice!

@marliblac I would LOVE to replace the appliances with something retro. Mint green comes to my mind... Unfortunately, it's not in my budget. Thanks for the inspiration. :)

Lily—that is such an improvement! I love the idea of mixing cabinetry colors. And all of this is super doable and affordable. Thanks!

I agree with the above picture - I think if you love the brick and want to show it off, you need to paint the cabinets something that will contrast with the brick a bit more than the current wood tone. I would do a light color but maybe not white-white, I think it would be a little too stark for the space. Cabinets with color are so popular though - you could really do anything. Honestly if you aren't afraid of color and you have some orange in the brick - I think a burnt orange on the uppers and a dark espresso (not black) on the lowers would look cool - it's a little out there though. ;) Great space!

Oh - also install under cabinet lighting to highlight the brick!!

Don't be afraid of dark or stark white as long as you have contrast and it's not ALL dark or ALL white.

I can visualize pure white cabinets as an option because it would compliment the other walls in my living area (see photo). I love neutral schemes—they're classy and clean. Color is so outside my comfort zone, but I'm also a twenty-something with a new job, living in the city, so why not have fun with a little color? Decisions, decisions. Thank you Lila and taurusgurl.

Go for the white then! I think it would look great - just not pure, pure white. Slightly off white to give it a little warmth. The picture of the wall you posted looks slightly off white, and looks great with the brick. ;)

Remember if you do light on top and dark on bottom you'll only see the white when you're in the living room, but you'll have more variety when you're in the kitchen. I guess I'm partial to the dark lowers because it makes the dark appliances blend in without having to buy new. If you paint the lowers white you'll still have a lot of black to deal with.

Personally, I think the dark on bottom looks cleaner or sleaker or more sophisticated.

I ALSO first thought of black on the bottom cabinets to blend in the black appliances. I don't know if I would do a harsh bright white on upper cabs though...I;m thinking softer cream (pulls in the floor) or even a green a couple shades lighter than the countertop. And DEFINITELY get some undercabinet lighting !!! Then you can do the walls & bar & post in a darker cream for some depth. Or even a copper leaf paint on the walls....yum. Think about replacing the top of your bar with a reclaimed beam, & also the support under your counter to add to that cool loft look.

I, too, have pondered a light green cabinet color—it would nicely tie the green ghost paint on the brick with the countertops.

I'm very intrigued by the copper leaf paint! I love metallic accents.

The beam idea is awesome, too. I love all of your ideas! Thanks :)

Are you open to changing out the uppers? If you really want the brick to stand out, you could remove the upper cabinets on the brick wall, and then replace the ones on the wall perpendicular to it with ceiling height cabinets, which would both look newer, and actually increase your storage space.

I, too, like the idea of dark or black on the lowers, and a creamy or pastel color on the uppers--white would be too stark, I think.

Love the black on the bottom cabinets and a terra cotta that you pull from the bricks so you pull that color around. Also very important is under cabinet lights and some on top where the brick is so it glows. A small modern brushed steel knob would add a bit of spark to the top cabinets which could work left as is or painted the same terra cotta as the wall.