I'm sorry, but I'm really not loving the clean-up sink wall. If you're of typical adult height, it seems very out of proportion. Of course, if you're much shorter than average, practical considerations might outweigh design there, but to me, it looks like the whole bank of uppers should just be raised up to the ceiling (or 8' if your ceiling's sloped), leaving either an open space, a 'window' or a full backsplash wall.

Other than that, I think liberal use of an accent color could do wonders for your space. My personal favorite is a rich vibrant red, but for your space, a deep golden yellow might bring out the blue in the granite and the warm tones in your beautiful cherry.

I wouldn't bother changing the knobs because I think that will actually work against 'feminizing' the space. You'd be replacing a light brushed nickel tone with a darker ORB -- you wouldn't even see the flower pattern until you get way up close.

The materials Hubby chose tend to the 'dramatic' -- hard, shiny, high-contrast. So to feminize, typical things like soft, hazy, lacey or frilly just wouldn't play nicely. Think of a 'masculine-looking actress' -- say, Angie Harmon or Angelica Huston? -- dressed in pastels with lace and ruffles. Yuck! But something bold, clean-lined, flashy even -- Possibly large cut crystal pieces, art glass, brightly-colored ceramics in sleek shapes?

I agree that the wall seems short, but it may be the photo.

It isn't showing us any of your personality yet. Can you put some plants on that shelf above the sink? and above the big ceiling shelf on the other wall? More beautiful big ceramic pots or baskets? Beautiful teatowels? Which brings to mind pattern. Everything is still pretty much a solid color. Fabric is easy for that.

I bet you can make it work. Maybe just focus on how you might decorate it, say, for your favorite holiday (which is temporary thus non-threatening) and go from there?

First, I agree with sweeby on the hardware, keep what you have, it looks good to me. And yes, get some color up above those cabinets, BIG pottery or glassware pieces up there in a jewel toned or bold color you like. Get an item or two on that big open island ... a bowl with apples or lemons, some colorful pots with herbs in them, something to break up that huge black expanse. I think some greenery would go a long way in making it feel less masculine. How do you feel about switching out that light fixture over your island? You have a lot of ceiling height and could do a larger chandelier, maybe even one with pretty hanging crystal pieces and do it in a metal finish to match your cabinet hardware?

~~Veronica

I like how the colors of the backsplash bring out the blues in the counters and the silvery color of the appliances!

I do think that the cabinets need much bigger "stronger" knobs and handles! Oil rubbed bronze or black iron would work really well.

Needs some artworks! And how about adding a LARGE blue pottery vase, pot or garden pot up above on that huge ledge? And a larger artwork could be propped up there too....

As for pottery -- take a look at dinnerware by Denby ..... some great blue colors! Or add some Italian Countryside by Mikasa in white ......

Add softness with some fabric in the eating area -- how about a window seat or bench? Just make sure that the fabric reflects those deeper blues, black etc. How about a valance over the blinds?

Next -- your glass-fronted cabinets by the sink are "showcases" -- so sort out your china, glassware, serving pieces etc. so that they are shown to their best advantage! For example -- how about a selection of blue pottery mugs on the right-hand side? THEN add some Italian-influenced patterned mugs for color and contrast.

Above the sink area -- add some dark toned woven baskets. You could add a flat-bottomed dark woven tray to your island to hold salt-n-pepper grinders, oils, vinegars etc.

Just needs some tweaking of the details!

Thanks so much for the replies.
sweeby, I am not sure how high that sink area is-we did agonize over that, because of the decorative petition on the living room side, wanting it to feel more open there where there always was a wall, etc. We did consider a 'window' area, but somehow, with the stairs, they said it would not work. I am shot 5'1" and DH is 6'2"-He can barely see over the sink and I could not even in heels. The ceiling is so high that it may look even more miniature in pictures. I like your ideas and how you characterized the high drama part.
bettycbowen, I know it has none of my personality yet, as I have 'shunned' it so far. When I figure out the first element to change-perhaps the glass for the doors-then maybe it will come more easily-I just don't want to waste any money on 'things' till I know they are the correct ones.
ronniroo, I would consider changing the chandelier, and adding things which you and teacats mentioned.
teacats, I wanted to do a windowseat, but they said it was too low and a person's back would be against the window and not meet 'code'-not a good thing. I will definitly look into a bench. And a valance. I really appreciate the link and the names of the dinnerware.
Thank you thank you all.

I agree with the other posters, a bold daring light fixture would bring some life to the space. But *really*, if you can manage it, the backsplash seems to be the main problem.

Maybe it is the pictures or my monitor, but the backsplash doesn't seem to be helping your cabinets or your counters. Perhaps it is the glare, but I am seeing it as a weird gray tone.

And, I know this is a strange question... but there the wainscoting around your room seems to stop right before and after your cabinet wall. Am I reading the pictures correctly? If it is the case, I would run the chair moding an paint the area underneath white to continue the look.

Thanks paint_chips..I have talked about doing that with the chair molding...not sure why they left that. And I do like the light fixture suggestion. Again, thank you for responding!