color in curtains possibly or small decor add to the walls with color

I can't tell how much space is above the cabinets. If space allows colorful platters on easels or glassware would provide color. I love having useable things as decor.

Personally, I would start by painting the ceiling. Either lighten it up a lot, or paint it white. Doing either will reduce the tomb effect. Then, add curtains or valances with a complementing throw rug. Think about changing the cabinet hardware and the backsplash. I know you don't want to do any of these, but you haven't left the door very wide open for possible recommendations.

You can add art on either side of the rounded window. I am like you. Curtains everywhere are just too fussy for me. Beautiful colored canisters.

Green plants.

You can put decorative plates or pictures , which has a red color in...

thanks for the responses. painting isn't something we are looking to do yet. the entire house,ceilings included, are all one shade. I know at some point we will make the changes but for now I have to work w it.

we do have golds, cremes, light blues and brown tones in the LR and DR. I'd like to have continuity with that now that you've mentioned cobalt blue...which I LOVE. how would the island look in that color plus added wainscotting and some legs to the piece to dress it up? I need to play with Photoshop now.

I also love peonies. may be set some on the island when spring is near? there isn't much space above tho cabinets. maybe 10" at the most.

If that we're my kitchen, I would keep everything the same, then I would purchase a new Kitchen Aid Mixer! There are now dozens of colors to choose from. I've had my red one for years and I ALWAYS decorate my kitchen around it! Can't choose a color? After possibly choosing a piece of art, pull one of the colors from it, and I'm sure there is a mixer in that color. Have fun!

I'd change very little. It's a nice looking kitchen. You wouldn't want to get too creative and mess it up.

P.S. I wouldn't hang curtains either. Those windows are too beautiful to hide. Also, I think the paint colors are perfect in that kitchen. I feel that because you have so much counter space, not having enough on your counters makes it look too empty (like you just moved in or something). Liven it up with a mixer, a large bowl of fruit (I see a small one there), and also a larger pitcher of flowers at the other end.

just remember, whatever you decide to put above the cabinets will collect a lot of dust. So keep the objects large and do not use any clear glass as it will show the dirt quickly. I agree that roman shades in a print would look beautiful. I don't think cobalt blue on the island would go well with your dark cabinetry or your wall color. try a cream color with some antiquing. Your wall color seems to scream for warm accent colors in reds, oranges, greens and pale yellows.

Mock roman shades at the top of the side windows and at the arch break on the middle one in a color of your choice - red seems to work nicely in this pic. What is your accent color in the adjoining space?

I agree with Gina about your accent colors. Any one of those colors would be a great start to adding art and counter objects.

Since you love cobalt blue, go with that. Do you have plates you can hang on the wall? I wouldn't put anything on top of the cabinets, they'd just be grease and dust collectors. I like the red that the former owner's have on the cabinets. I think Rachel has a great idea - buy one small appliance in a color you love and leave it out. Use coordinating linens and maybe some platters and serving pieces, a la Rachel Ray. :)

Yes mock roman shades. You can find tons of peony plates on ebay. Think big though, cause you have a lot of volume in there. And yes, you need to judiciously fill the counterspace.

Don't bother with the space above the cabinets.

Oasis Design said pretty much the same thing I would have said, and I like the idea of bringing some blue in from your adjacent rooms -- painting the island would have a dramatic impact.

Since "Garza" means heron in Spanish, here's where I'd start your plate collection:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xheron+plates&_nkw=heron+plates&_sacat=0&_from=R40

LOL Oasis, cross-posted ebay suggestions...

Cobalt blue is a fav of mine. I have cobalt blue glass canisters.

I would look for cobalt blue art, including sculpture of some sort, maybe even classic cobalt plates to hang on your wall. Paint the island cobalt and get some functional canisters to keep on your countertop. But don't clutter. One nice plant in a cobalt pot and you have it finished.

wow what great suggestions! so the adjacent room has blues,brown, creams, gold and a New sectional with a pearl leather color. We will be buying the following canvas for that room so I think it will tie in well. I also purchased a Fiddle Leaf fig today that I will baby to grow into a beautiful tree in the corner someday.

Check out this color http://m.benjaminmoore.com/paint-colors/color/wythe-blue

Paul.- is that a recommendation for a new kitchen island color?

Some wall color. To much brown need some color. And if you paint just paint the entire room to see if you like it. I know sounds crazy but some times is the only way.

You can see some of the color in this http://houzz.com/photos/1346022

hubby says no way to the wall color. and I also realized last night that we really need to work with the light fixture situation in the room. the only one we have is above the sink and a 2nd light in the corner over what should be a seat in area for eating but may potentially be a butler's pantry. at night we cook in what I call romantic lighting lol. with the unique layout of the ceiling I'm not sire how to address that

Pendents over the bar and pod lights in ceiling will make a big difference :) https://www.houzz.com/photos/11th-street-residence-mediterranean-kitchen-los-angeles-phvw-vp~57363

are pods like the new word for recessed lighting? The ceiling over the kitchen island actually splits so part of it goes up at an angle and the other is a low level.

They are recessed, lol. That's what our contractor calls them. He is currently trying to get us to change out our 1980's track lighting to those. I believe you could make pendents work. The one(s) on the higher side would have longer cords. Hope that helps. :)

Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but if you are believing a few pieces of art or several accessories will change the demeanor of your kitchen, you will be disappointed. No new paint, no new window treatments, and I am assuming no new floor is the agenda. Even if you were to change the floor you would still have the same room without finishing the walls, ceiling and windows. I would just leave it for now until such time you are ready for the things that will transform your kitchen.

I know you said you don't want to paint, but I think if you painted the island it would make a big difference and it's very small so shouldn't be a big deal. Add a rug, too. Maybe change the hardware on the cabinets...and yes, pictures on either side of the window.

You're right about the lighting issue. How about hardwired sconces on either side of the window??? And a larger scale fixture in the windows & then over the island as well???

Sounds great to me, Oasis.

do you mean something like this? Oh and I kind of like these window coverings. ...

I agree curtains and plants are definitely a good way to add color, not to mention bring life into a space.

what style of curtains?