I did a search to see if I could find something, but only liked this one, and it's darker not lighter, but give you an idea.
http://houzz.com/photos/365441

I would do *all or nothing*;) Not a half and half fan.

Not sure what colour your walls are but a neutral like light grey or even white on the top can help to make the room feel clean and large. What is inspiring you to paint?

Need help remodeling a small cottage kitchen dining room. Would like to remove two existing walls from kitchen into dining room and from kitchen into living room, thereby opening up the whole space. Home built in the 1940s and needs simple but practical design ideas.