A rug is a great idea. I'd also put up a tile backsplash, some paint on that wall and a roman shade.

Lighting under the cabinets. I can't really tell what the lighting arrangement is over the dishwasher, but doing a consistent lighting scheme under all of the cabinets could help.

Backsplash area could get some color.

Your choice of appliances and utensils that will be out for use could be co-ordinated with the stove and dishwasher. Not too cluttered.

Window treatment with an eye toward the view. Maybe even a flower box outside the window?

The rug idea seems like a good one.

A big wood or marble pastry board could add a little practical variety to the counter.

A bright colored stool, like yellow or green or whatever color you use for accent could help.

Congrats on the new house!

If you want vibrant, I'd go with orange or a bright yellow with orange accents. I have a friend with an orange kitchen. It's nice. She said it took her a week to get used to it, but she loves it now.

The first color I thought of was a dark green. I know that is a super traditional color combo with the dark cabinets, but just the right shade would it make it look rich and warm. I would also change out the cabinet pulls to a long sleek handle to add a more sophisticated element. Some type of window treatment (maybe a roman shade?) would help.
It seems you already have undercounter lighting in one spot. How about adding it to all the upper cabinets? Maybe its just the photo, but a lower wattage would make it look less institutional.
Also, I think a glass tile backsplash would look amazing in this kitchen.
Good luck!
~Erin @ Cultivating Home

I know this is a potentially pricey idea -- but any chance of updating the counters to something lighter? The dark counters with the dark cabinets is doing nothing for me.

backsplash, paint, window treatments and accessories are all good and quick options.

but really I'm with trishdom, the counters are doing nothing good and really limit what colors you can use.

The floors kinda blah beige too, but i guess that could just be covered with a rug.

i think that kitchen is already beautiful, but maybe change the knobs to something bigger more 'you' a larger amount of silver color in there would lighten it up a bit.

Green that is not so dark for the walls, like a celadon, only a little yellower would look great with the cabinets. And a contrasting but complementary backsplash- paint or tile in a pattern or texture with some interest would pop nicely. Displaying some attractive cooking equipment that you actually use adds some personality, too.

I'd put in white Caesarstone countertops with a marble subway tile backsplash. Classic and nice with the dark cabinetry. Light greige or white paint. Otherwise it tends to get too dark. Natural fiber rug. Easy to clean and super durable. HTH. Congratulations on your new house. Very exciting!

First off, congratulations on your first house! A fun, multi-colored backsplash would definitely add some character to your kitchen.

A less costly idea would be to place various bright jars or such items on top of the cabinets - you'll get a burst of color and add another dimension to the room. A curtain and rug would also work.

first:
http://trendsideas.com/ListArticles.aspx?topic=13&region=4&gclid=CMeLn9ajvaACFUFM5QodxDySUQ
You said you were looking for inspiration... check that out.

As for me, go for:
> a light marble (or stone-like) countertop
> hardwood floors in the same tone as the cabinetry (but doesn't have to be matchy-matchy)
>gleaming white small-scale subway tile backsplash
>add-on a top level of cabinetry to the ceiling and add a crown moulding in the same wood finish
>undercounter lights
>(why not) pot lights over each section of cabinetry
> change out the knobs to something with a bit more elongated and bulky (i'd change to pulls) or restoration hardware's 'strande' knobs in a brushed nickle
> roman shade: yes

This, with your ss appliances would all serve to create a timeless backdrop. Decide on a colour accent (i.e. red) and add it and change it via a rug, mixer, spoons etc. around.

I think the problem in this room is the stark contrast between the walls and the cabinets. It also seems fairly sterile, almost like it's in a store... the little bit of art in the corner almost looked like a price tag!

I don't think you need to add crazy color to warm this space up-- in fact, I think that would just be counterproductive. Instead, think texture and shape. I'd love to see a wheaty-colored backsplash (lighter but similar to the floor color) extending up to the base of the cabinets, and then a similar but slightly darker-colored paint color above the cabinets up the to the ceiling. Also, under-cabinet lighting, and a few more carefully chosen items with interesting, rounded shapes and some pops of bright color on the counter tops. (I think orange and light green could look great as an accent color in here!) Cafe curtains or textured blinds would look great in the window.

Good luck!

You kitchen reminds me of the 'before' kitchen in this post from Design*Sponge:

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/11/before-after-laurens-kitchen-kevins-room-j-c-s-bath-and-exterior.html

Would you consider removing the upper cabinets and installing open shelves instead? If you have the right dishes and things to put up there. it can be a fantastic look.

Best of luck!

I would do an aluminum or stainless colored subway tile backsplash and paint the rest a steel-turquoise gray color to complement the countertops. Definitely go with some undercounter lighting and I would put some white jars, vases, etc. on top of the cabinets to provide a contrasting element to the top.

Great kitchen, lots of potential with little work. The cabinets are a great, rich color without being too dark.

I recommended this color yesterday in the other "help me kitchen!" thread, but I think it would work equally if not better: terra cotta!

Definitely a rug.

I second the under cabinet lighting.

A bamboo roller shade in the window would be nice. I love them because they don't completely block out the sun so you still get light, just not a blinding beam that sears your retinas.

I agree with a lot of the above: color, texture, and maybe some personal statements?

A washable rug would go a long way. Also some window treatments. Paint the walls in...almost anything but white/beige.

I don't think you should sacrifice the upper cabinets, but you do need to personalize them. You can use the space above them to display any attractive serving pieces, vases, antiques - my mom uses this space to store her trifle dish, cake pedestal and dome, antique butter churn and a whole bunch of giraffe sculptures. She doesn't take these things down all that often, and they're attractive.

If you don't like the clutter that would entail, maybe cut out the fronts of some of the upper cabinets and replace with frosted glass. Install lights inside the cupboard and it'll add a nice glow to the room. I saw this on some design show...they made it look easy, but I'd do some research.

A few more sources of light, in general, would soften the space.

Do you have any appliances/tools/books/cutting boards/spice rack that will sit on these counters? I know, clutter, but also lived in.

Good luck! Have fun! And post pics when you decide!

I think a mosaic tile backsplash and some nice happy green or robins egg blue walls would look lovely! It's a very nice kitchen. Congrats on the window above the sink!

Congratulations on your new home! I'd go with a warm pumpkiny orange with brown tones in it (not a bright clear orange) to paint the walls all around the cabinets. Then I'd think about matchstick blinds for the window so the light comes in but you have privacy and warmth, too. You could even stain the blinds the same color as the cabinets and leave them halfway open. Better yet, hang them in the center of the window leaving some space above and below. A rug wouldn't work in my kitchen due to the serious cooking and spillage that takes place there...

Change the counter top to a sexy paper stone or maybe even butcher block and get an under mounted single basin, apron front sink. Instant facelift. Add a subway tile back splash and blammo! You're there.

I'm with GreenKey - Open shelving to replace upper cabinets would really open that space up. It'll also help you in that corner.

Depending on how your cabinets are constructed - and how they look without the doors - you may not need to take them down completely. If you remove the doors and the facing, you might be okay. There may be some painting you have to do, but that's where you have the option to bring in more whites and golds to brighten up the space.

With the dark cabinets and dark countertops....
I think you need to do a nice tile backsplash to lighten the kitchen up a bit, and have the floors make more sense. Although you don't want a "neutral beige bore"....neutral does not have to be boring. You can counter the "boring" with texture. Maybe a nice basketweave patterned tile....or glass subway tiles that will bring in the floor color. The floor looks to be a mottled beige,gold, green, blue from the photo....maybe glass tiles in green or grey blue...the wall color a slightly darker version? You can always bring in bright pops of color with accessories.
I would also think about changing out the cabinet hardware to something a bit more substantial in metal.
You could also do a nice roman shade in a print that will bring in the beige in the floor, the charcoal in the countertops, and whatever color tile or walls you choose.
Some undercounter lighting throughout would be nice, as well as some nice ceiling pendant lights.

just some ideas....

http://www.dttiles.com/pages/itemView.aspx?catID=2563&itemsysid=192610&mcatID=2150&subcatID=2653
http://www.diamondtech-glass-tiles.com/assets/images/Basket-weave-Tile.jpg
http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2009/11/19/DH2010_13-kitchen-tile-backsplash_s4x3_lg.jpg

See if you can get some matching trim for the tops and bottoms of the cabinets- I think it would make them look less "stuck on". A roman shade to fill that empty space would look great in a really interesting fabric. Take your colors from the fabric for the rest of the room (backsplash, rug, accessories, etc.).

Assuming you don't want to invest in new countertop, I think painting could get you the biggest bang for your buck. Take a look at Benjamin Moore Brookside moss. It's rich but has character. You can also add an inexpensive set of string lights ABOVE the cabinets which would create a 'sexy' glow. Both Home Depot and IKEA have these. Add a set of curtains with a mid-century pattern hung with grommets to give it a contemporary flair. installing FLOR tiles which pick up on the brown, olive palette and you're good to go. When you're ready, replace the countertop and install a backsplash. I do not recommend putting up a tile backsplash until you're ready to do the counter! Good luck and enjoy your new place.

A light grey-blue or grey-green paint color would blend well with the countertops and floor as well as the stainless appliances. As far as a window treatment, I'd do a tension rod between the cabinets on either side of the window and put up a cafe curtain for the lower half only - that will add some texture and extra color, but you won't have to cover up or drill into that lovely trim around your window. Finally, a mirrored backsplash along the wall where your range is would add a lot of light to that dark-ish looking side of the room.

Your kitchen looks so much like my Brothers kitchen. They painted the walls and have just added a backsplash. The other thing they did that made a huge impact was add beautiful lights to their dining area and kitchen. Here is a picture of what they did.

Also, change the sink and faucet to brushed stainless. You could even go with a larger sink.

backsplash tile, window treatment, canisters/utensil caddy, rug/runner, above cabinets

Change the countertop to a light granite with a stainless steel sink instead of the dark black. A nice light stone or glass tile backsplash and add crown molding to the wall cabinets. I might change out the door panels for seedy glass in the two cabinets on either side of the sink, again, just to lighten the space.

What everyone else said: paint the walls , curtains, rug. I'd also suggest: orchid in your window, cute tea towels.

I can't suggest a wall color without knowing what is on the other side of the camera. Is your kitchen attached to the dining or living rooms? Etc. However I think the neutral palette of your cabinets mean that your walls could hold up just about any color. The only color I would avoid is orange, I think it would look too pumpkin-y with the green countertops. Something blue might be beautiful.

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of turquoise on your walls!

My suggestions have already been listed but instead of a regular rug check out flor tiles. Tons of options, easy to change out and easier to clean than a rug that would need to be professionally cleaned. flor.com.

I think green or light blue would look good. If you're into reds more, a coral color might work. Check Target for some towels and textiles.

Definitely paint the walls- that color adds to the blah feeling right now.

Some cafe curtains or a valance or roman shade (depends on how much privacy you want).

I always search Flickr for inspirations

this kitchen reminds me of one in a friend's home--she hated the sterile, contractor-chic feel when she moved in, but she painted the walls a deep yellow, put some tin tiles on the ceiling, and it warmed right up. you will probably fill in your own pieces as you go along, but since you're starting with such a blank slate, you might want to think through the style you want to have so that everything fits in. for example, do you want the retro-redux of rachel ray's kitchen or something more country cottage? (not that i'm suggesting either, actually...) ;-)

I would start with a fabric for a roman blind over the window. From there you can decide on a color for the backsplash and the walls. I would definitely replace the pulls on the cabinets, they are really basic builder's grade. Also, I might consider replacing the sink at some point. It also looks like you have undercounter lighting under one cabinet, if so, I would be sure and install them throughout the rest of the kitchen.

My kitchen was identical when I moved in other than the counters - not kidding, even the pulls and appliances are the same. I struggled with the same things. I painted a sagey-mint green (Behr's Zen), changed out the pulls to handles on the cabinets and semi-circular on the drawers. Made a huge difference. Eventually I'm going to put in a backsplash, but I've been debating making the cabinets white instead. I have a neutral granite with a large "pattern" to it (looks like chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream) and it works as it doesn't show ANY dirt. Biggest difference came when I installed lighting though - less than $200 altogether at Ikea, including the overhead light fixture, just had to install myself.

I'm thinking green for you - it looks like you have green in both your floor and countertop.

HOWEVER, if changing the countertop is an option, I would. Butcher block, or a white/grey/neutral solid surface of some kind. That would really open up your paint choices, if you can afford it. And then you could play more with putting color into the backsplash!

But I second one of the most basic pieces of advice: get a colored rug and go from there.

Hmmmm....I love the idea of removing the upper cabinets and put in shelves. I have no upper cabinets in my kitchen, shelves for dishware etc. Dust is no issue. I have open shelves in a pantry area as well. Again, I don't find dust to be that big of a deal. And I live in the country which is always more dusty. No upper cabinets really opens up a space and takes away from the cookie cutter feeling.
rugs in the kitchen? I never did get that.
I think a nice green would be great for color here. I also would change the wall color whatever you do.

Our kitchen is very much like that (espresso cabinets, SS appliances, and beige tile backsplash, though we do have a much lighter countertop). We built our house, and chose neutrals for the permanent stuff in the interest of resale value. But then we painted the walls a bright teal.

I love it, and all we'd have to do to return it to its totally neutral state would be paint again.

What a great basis to work with! I wouldn't do anything major, like replace the countertops or remove the cabinet doors, until you've been there a while to see how it works for you. I second (or third) the idea of celadon paint. Install a celadon/blue mix glass tile backsplash. A window shade, rug and a few earthy, grassy accessories and you are good to go.

I think you should embrace the window by not using window treatment unless you need to for privacy issues at night. Looks like you have some nice greenery outside the window to look at. I would paint the window frame chocolate brown so it integrate with the cabinets.

Then I see deep warm gold for the walls or tiles. I think Heath Ceramic tiles would go nicely, they are earthy and have great colors- see M23 Stone Gold then continue with the same color paint through out- Yellow Gold compliments the dark wood and the dark grey counters
http://www.heathceramics.com/go/heath/tile/tile-colors/

I think green would be too drab, orange too over powering and as much as I love turquoise I do not see that at all.

Then some nice earth ware ceramic canisters, and other gold, yellow. brown accessories.

Lighting would help, maybe going with a lantern style pendent in a brass like this one to dress things up a bit-
http://www.vaughandesigns.com/site/item.cfm?item=412&category=32&parent=1%2C7

Flor Tiles would work great for a kitchen- go wide runner style - slight pattern in gold-
http://www.flor.com/service/flor/shop/item/Straight-and-Narrow/P003002500-P00083.html

I'm seeing a pale yellow or gold...it would compliment the color of the countertops.

Be sure to include some leafy green plants. Even without painting or rugs or ceramic backsplashes, a plant will provide warmth to the space and soften the suburban sterility. Lemon trees and lemon grass are very beautiful and popular. Window boxes with cooking herbs can be done in an attractive way as well.

Hello Shannon! Your kitchen has great potential and can afford some great color (not beige!). Would let us take your picture and alter it to show you what great Devine Colors would look like with your counters and cabinets? It is a service we offer at DevineColor.com but would be more than happy to show you what we would suggest!

Thank you,
Ashley
devinecolor.com

i think a nice teal would look good in this space. and yes on the rug, i have a rug in my kitchen and i love it--- but it must be dark and washable. the kitchen is a messy place by nature, and you will want to wash your rug without having to pay super expensive prices to have it professionally cleaned.

Mh, first thing I thought was plain white walls and adding green with plants and maybe backsplash (just over stove.)

But a nice color like light blue I guess would also be fine.

If you can I would replace the counter with something woody, matching the fronts. Also, I would love a dark wood floor with that, but I guess that's no option budget-wise.

I agree that one or two upper cabinets could be replaced by open shelves.

Then just add you favourite color with accessoires (supplies, cloth...)

Wow. This is nearly exactly what my kitchen looks like - same cabinets, same color countertops, etc. The only difference is the layout (my sink faces the living room and all the windows are in the breakfast area). I'm interested to see what Shannon ends up doing - maybe I can get some inspiration!

I'm thinking of a nice light blue for a backsplash. Here is my humble offering for an idea:
http://www.modwalls.com/lushandreg3x6vapor.aspx

Lots of ideas here but if you just bought this house it probably makes no sense to make major changes right away.( unless you just won the lottery!) Paint the walls a nice warm colour( I like the pale moss idea), get yourself a collection of something to display above the cabinets and enjoy. As time goes on look for some lovely tile for a backsplash.
Meanwhile enjoy your new home! Lucky you to have that woodsy view to gaze at while your hands are in the sink!

I like the glossy white subway-tile backsplash idea; you can add color with accessories and maybe paint above the cabinets with a pop of blue or green.

It's hard to tell from the photo what your full layout is like, but you might find a small, freestanding island a really great functional asset, and it would break up the monolithic look of all-dark cabinets if you got it in a lighter or painted wood or stainless steel.

Right now it kind of looks like a kitchen from a model home...sort of boring and blah. I know you don't have any desire to paint them, but changing out the top drawers with glass drawers (or even frosted) would make it feel much lighter. I would also think about adding a backsplash - natural greens and yellows always go well in kitchens - and a nice jute rug (they don't stain for anything!).

It just needs those little finishing touches so it doesn't look so cookie cutter...but besides that, looks great! I envy all of the space you have :)

http://www.abbeycatchat.com/search/label/Our%20Kitchen

If you want to keep it fairly simple, I'd just paint the walls a medium green and replace the cabinet handles with something a bit more modern.

FLOR tiles are a great idea and will add some great color to that kitchen.
Paint out the window in a bright color. How about a red/orange? Or yellow? Or a blue?
Definitely put in a backsplash. Maybe glass tiles? Or a soft blue subway tile?
Change out the hardware to something bigger and shinier.
Ideally, change out the counters. That will make a HUGE difference.
Accessorize with color. Add texture with baskets. Put a woven roman shade in that window.

So many great ideas! I definitely want to do a backsplash - I didn't even think of it, but it's a great idea. And I love the idea of blue/turquoise color.

I found these tiles and really like the coloration, but if you see anything else - throw it my way.
http://www.modwalls.com/lushandreg12x2blendbigsur.aspx

I hear everyone on the counter tops, I think they're what threw me off in the first place. They will definitely be changed at some point, but it might be a bit.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I don't feel nearly as lost. We're not moving in until May, so I have a little time to over-think it all.

-Shannon

I'd go with robin's blue, aqua or teal for the walls.
Then a glass subway tile back splash.

Another suggestion, don't change anything until you've lived with it for a while. Take your time assessing what sort of storage, counter top and flooring you need.

Generally with a dark counter top and darker wood cabinets the hardware is more of an antiqued bronze.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u283/BrianFaley/SoapstoneKitchen.jpg

Really warm buttery yellow/gold toned glass subway or mosaic tile could add warmth and looks good with the color scheme you have now.

You could add a decorative molding to the tops of your cabinets. Like the one shown in the photo above.

Also I think a rug that has bright colors but also dark gray or black will help bring the kitchen together. With no dark gray or black on the floor your eye just goes to the counter top.

There are so many choices and the rug can really guide the color scheme for your kitchen.

AT did a post on outdoor rugs that can be more practical for a kitchen.

Some nice light fixtures go a long way to make a design statement.

Maybe I've missed something, but the obvious solution to me would be to replace that vinyl (?) floor with vinyl in a similar colour to the countertops. The combination of dark wood, dark grey and silver is very sleek and sexy.

Play it up by painting the walls a sophisticated shade of lighter grey, with the white ceiling, white window and some white display crockery providing a counterpoint.

AT posted Small Ways to Incorporate Wallpaper in a Kitchen yesterday as well. I had already seen this post but when I saw the third image here http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/5-small-ways-to-use-wallpaper-in-a-kitchen-111484 I immediately thought of your kitchen. Just add your own accessories, a nice rug, a bamboo window treatment, and maybe wallpaper or just use wall decals to add interest to your backsplash and it'll look so nice. My own kitchen is almost identical in finishes and I'm now considering using wall decals to recreate that look.

Bright rug would be good.

Bamboo blind is a nice idea.

You could change the cupboard knobs (anthroplogie has a lot of them but I repainted the ones on my night-stand with enamel paint).

Changing counter tops is a good suggestion too, though pricey. Painting walls will change the whole area. Yellow, green - try milk paint it's non toxic & dries fast, and they have many different shades so you can produce your own palette.

And hang some art. Have a few plants as well.

OK, first are you more traditional or contemporary?

If traditional, I'd keep the hardware, put in a nice textured backsplash (slate tile, maybe) from the countertop to the cabinets and add accessories like maybe bright Italian ceramic canisters or something. Small oil paintings in gold leafed frames between the cabinets and the counters (fakes if necessary!) Think Old World and elegant. Paint the walls a rich semi-dark color from the ceramics -- maybe a Tuscan yellow-orange.

If contemporary, I'd consider a stainless steel backsplash (I did one with Wilsonart laminate once) either flat or quilted, for gleam. If made of money, glass tiles might also be nice. (But then I'd also upgrade the counter to granite or quartz.) Paint the remaining wall robin's egg blue or lime green or another color that you like that looks great with brown. Replace the hardware with something more angular and streamlined.

But the first thing I'd decide is what general style fits you best, and goes best with the rest your house and decor.

Quick decorating tip- fill a tray with your olive oil bottles, salt/pepper grinders, canisters etc. and a small plant. great in the corner!

I know it's a little late to be hopping onto the bandwagon, but the ideas I had (some of which others have also said, but in case weight of numbers helps) are:
- putting in a spashback - I think glass would be a good textural contrast with the other materials, perhaps in a seafoam green or (as I know's been advocated), robin's egg or duck egg blue. The reflective surface would be a good brightening effect;
- the first thing I actualy thought of when l saw the photo was how well the colours of the view out the window went with the room - might be an idea for a colour palette;
- for more space (although I don't know you could need it with such a wonderful big kitchen!), storage boxes could be put on top of the upper cabinets. Perhaps in a colour to tone with the splashback and other accents, or in a natural fibre like woven seagrass if you wanted it modern but more neutral.
Happy decorating!