your kitchen cabinets have a lot going on by themselves.I would not say that this kitchen has no character, quite the opposite. I would replace with three hanging lights with something more interesting and substantial. They look cheap and too small. If you want to paint the walls blue, I think it's fine. I don't think the oak is an issue. Just paint a couple of different blue swatches and pick the one you like most.

the light should be changed, i agree. I would do individual pendants, but if you don't want the hassle then something a little larger would work. I would also paint the wood trim in a white to brighten up the room.

I think the blue colors would look great in there. I would also update the pendents, and add extra recessed lights as well.

Perhaps just incorporate the blue on just the base cabinets of the island. The fluting on the island is a bit busy, if you repaint it I would remove the round element on top of the fluting with a flat piece of wood.

Before I even checked out your color choices I was thinking blue-green so I like both your choices. It does look to me that the Palladian is a little more grey and the Wythe is a little brighter. Wythe would be my choice (but I'm prejudiced because I have a similar color in my master bedroom--Valspar April Thicket).

What color is the cabinet on the far left side. And is there anything else that is happening in this kitchen area that needs to be taken into consideration for paint colors? Such as a dining nook or table?

Changing out that pendant fixture will make such a huge difference. Do you have another fixture in the area that would need to be taken into consideration, too?

It could look wonderful to see your cabinets in a shade like the ones you see in our design here. Then you could paint the walls a light blue color. Are you keeping the backsplash?

Modern Country Kitchen · More Info

Modern Country Kitchen · More Info

We wanted to share some of our kitchen designs with you. Observe the pendants over the island?

Daniels Lane · More Info

Designer’s Cottage: Kitchen · More Info

Hamptons Estate: Kitchen · More Info

Tedbixby thanks for asking. All the cabinets are the same color. There are 4 light fixtures in the room which all coordinate so changing the island fixture is problematic for me and I probably will not do that. This is a very large kitchen with a nook on the other end with large windows and a large area with a table and also a desk area. The lighting is different throughout with a lot of natural light in the half with the nook and table and then not much light by the cabinets. This makes it hard to like a color for the whole room and I don't think I can break it up

Nice kitchen. Seeing the extension to your breakfast area, I would consider a lighter ivory to your walls and add color with blue/yellow french povencial like pottery and drapes/valence. I would reconsider replacing the island light fixture as there are so many awesome inexpensive options; you can replace the island without worrying about other areas right now--would make such an impact to your room.

I totally agree with imhofan. Cream/ivory walls and reconsider replacing island fixture.

I came across this kitchen which some what reminded me of yours. Gives you a visual of a lighter paint color and how the right fixture over the island gives the kitchen some character.

http://colorlibs.com/kitchen-ceiling-design/interesting-kitchen-ceiling-designs-photo-album-home-design-ideas-in-for-kitchens-and-a-by-way-of-existing-interesting-environment-in/

I agree that the ceiling looks too white, it would be good a cream in the same color family as the cabinets or a light version of the wall color. A saturated color with personality, something peacock-y, would look great on the walls. Lots of added lighting to replace the sunlight you don't have, I agree with others that the island pendants should have more impact. White can look really cold in northern facing, low light spaces, I would avoid going too white.

What did you end up doing? I am in the exact same predicament as you.

How about some better lighting and a blue ceiling?

Victorian Heirloom · More Info

The one thing that looks out of place in your kitchen are the white wall ovens. I’d change it to stainless to match the fridge. A paler version of the cabinet color would be nice on the walls. I agree with others that good lighting is the key since your natural light is limited. Maybe a new countertop for the island too. But I think your kitchen is really very nice- spacious, traditional, warm!