I think maybe I would paint the walls a lighter shade of the same color, and maybe change the shades of the pendant lights so they are lighter and brighter. I also wonder what kind of bulbs that you have in your light fixtures. Could they be a higher wattage? That would brighten things up a bit. I also don't see a backsplash. A backsplash with some lite reflective glass tile would brighten things up a lot I think. When doing the backsplash, I would add a metallic piece to it. The shine from the metal in the backsplash along with the glass tile will reflect a lot of light and bounce it around some. You might also consider getting some clear glass shades for the chandelier over the kitchen table. That would also bounce some light around. I have a lighter shade of gold in my kitchen and family room and I love it too.

Hi gordongekko, I think Dark Floors and Dark cabinets are lovely together. I think you saw a handful of images from the link Sherriz provided. I am happy to post a few more. What particular style are you putting into your kitchen? A contemporary urban, country, british colonial, romantic, mission craftsman,.... or maybe an electic style of the things you love. Here are few and I hope they are not repeats. ~boxer Cabinet Renovators blue tile Trade 6 Sophisticated Stone HGTV Sacramento Luxury homes Debbie Muses GW Delaware Granite Ik Atelier Cococozy Decorpad Kitchen Studio Center Kitchen Sink Find google image

Get a lighter counter that has some reflective characteristics, repaint the walls with a lighter colored paint, and live with it for a while before doing the backsplash. We have medium dark cherry perimeter cabinets in our kitchen that faces SE, but there is a 10' deep front porch with an 11' roof including overhang that darkens the kitchen. It has a triple window over 7' wide and 4' high, and two 10" SunTunnels. The counters are a medium green granite. The center square island has creme painted cabinets and a medium light limestone/marble top. My walls look like they are about the same color as yours appear in your picture, and the floor is cream colored cork. The kitchen feels too dark to me. Our lower level galley kitchen has similar medium dark cherry cabinets with a light semi-shiny patterned laminate, and the paint is a lighter shade of the paint that is upstairs. The triple window 7' wide by 4' high is 24' across the room from it. This kitchen should feel darker than the one upstairs, but doesn't, no matter what time of day or night it is. Both kitchens are well lit. I am going to paint the upstairs kitchen a lighter better color that makes both the cabinets and counter top have a little more umph. If I could change to a lighter counter top in the upstairs kitchen, I would. There is no doubt in my mind that these 2 changes would make my upstairs kitchen feel lighter, based on how much lighter the lower level kitchen feels. Anne

The covered front porch is robbing a lot of natural light. I do agree with Beverly that you can look at the outside trees. You would be amaze at how heightening the canopy on your trees will bring in so much more light. You have a good start.....just need some tweaking. Love the rug! For the furniture, I recommend the following: 1) Move the sofa to face the fireplace, creating a "hall" behind it. 2) Move the chairs to flank the fireplace. 3) Turn the rug the other direction, if it fits that way. 4) Add lamps on either side of the chairs. 5) Add 2 tall buffet lamps to the hall cabinet. 6) Add some lighter pillows to the sofa, along with some red. 7) The arrangement on the fireplace needs to be reworked. I'd put the red artwork up there sideways alone or with a couple of other pieces. Too much up there now. 8) Move the mirror to where the red art is now. 9) Remove the small pieces from the front hall table.