Thank you for the suggestions. Would you also paint the wood coming down the sides above the brick?

I think you should investigate adding more light fixtures before you paint the ceiling. I also like the idea of changing the counters. I would not whitewash the brick.

To me the issue is that there's just too much going on. You have the vaulted wood ceiling, the brick walls, the concrete flooring, the two cabinet colors, the stone. There's nowhere for the eye to rest.

And I know you said it's not as dark as the picture makes it seem but...the picture makes it seem like a really dark cave so I imagine there are still lighting issues that need to be addressed.

I like lindsey's suggestion. Beef up the lighting then see how the room looks. You can always make more changes, but you can't undo some of them. Go slow and do it in stages.

Illuminated toe kick?

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@ Lindsey The toe kick lighting is a really neat idea! I want to remove the fan for sure. Especially when you're trying to cook below it. The built in unit does have lighting on each shelf. I forgot to turn it on. I think the chandeliers are between 30-32 inches above the table-tops. The wood on the wall are wood blinds that cover a bay window. We use the seating in the bay window for that side of the table. Any suggestions for pendant style lighting that would go nicely and give off a lot of light?

I LOVE the idea of white washing/painting white the brick and the ceiling, but not the beams. I also love your dark cabinets, glad to hear that you don't want to paint them! Maybe you can start with all the wood (all the way to where the brick starts), and it might be enough!

Something like this: a cluster of clear glass shades at each end of the island

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It's not so much about brighter light, but about layering the light to be at human height. Your ceiling is quite bright, not dark at all in fact. And your brick is already a light colour so that's not what is making the room dim. The problem I see is spots of super intense light, with no ambient light. So those bright spots simultaneously command our attention but then force us to look away because they are too bright. At least in this photo which you did say doesn't show the situation entirely accurately.

I do think that perfecting the lighting will be the best first move. No matter how much paint you use, if the lighting is still a problem paint won't help. You'll still have pockets of light and shadow.

In the 2nd picture it looks like there is a row of spotlights on two of the beams. What happens when they are turned on?

I wouldn't paint but I would change your barstools and window treatments. Do you need both tables?

@er612 I don't need really both tables. What were you thinking to do?

Cool house with lots of personality and potential!

I also agree with Lindsey's suggestions above, especially in regard to lighting and the barstools.. I'd also try to pare down your wood furnishings. Can you remove one of your wood dining sets, and instead replace with a cozy bistro set of 2 lightly-colored upholstered chairs, with a small round table between? This would create a cozy breakfast/reading area.

Definitely replace the wood blinds with roman shades or light linen drapes.

I do think the style of the dark wood cabinets is a bit heavy and formal (esp. the ornate corbels) for this space that seems more casual, but if you love them, then by all means keep them! There are other ways to lighten up the space.

Also, the candelabras, when placed on the dining table under that chandelier, are really giving off a sort of goth, dungeon-master vibe.

I haven't read through the post - but one thing I can tell you - is that you may be making a 'costly mistake' by coming here to this dilemma forum, particularly with the pics you have posted - because the pics in no way, shape, form, or fashion clearly show your space. You even say that the space is 'not as dark as it appears in the pics' - so, really - how can you expect to receive any kind of accurate assessment - even under the best of circumstances, which TBH this forum is not. You are going to get all kinds of advise here - some of which may be good, and some of which not so much... and then you are going to have to weed through it all - and this advise is being given to you based upon pics that are barely viewable - so keep that in mind.

I will say that your space looks beautiful, and the architectural features of the space are beautiful. I think the only thing I might change would be countertops - to a marble, cultured marble, marble-like quartz - or something to that effect. It could be granite. But would be light/white.

And it is just a general fact that light/white counters with dark cabinets will lighten a space. But I really have absolutely no idea, based on your pics, what color your countertops even are - in terms of specific color - because I can barely see them. And I have absolutely no idea what your floor looks like, either.

There are many things you can do with lighting to lighten a space, as well.

Really - you and your husband need to hire a professional - or professionals for this.

I don't know that'd I'd paint that wood ceiling . it's very nice. any way you could install a few skylights?

what about those heavy wood window coverings? can those be removed or replaced?

you have a lot of heavy elements, so start removing the lighter, easier things to change and see if that offers some relief.

I'll prob catch hell for this one, but I'd paint the cabinet opposite the stove area. is that a buffet storage? I've seen many homes like this where they paint one element of the cabinetry. I might paint the island as well. no doubt getting lighter granite tops would also brighten up the space.

the other element is the medieval lighting and candelabras, and sconces. it's a bit much. If you like it, fine. but you asked how to lighten up the room. I'd remove all of the candles and fake greenery. all the wrought iron and heavy iron decor. (the pheasant can stay!) now take another look. put back one item if you think it looks too bare.

I'd call in a lighting professional and have some proper lights installed. look at this pic. lights in the ceiling and a skylight.

any way you could do a window at the roofline like this one? Maybe over the buffet hutch area where it peaks?

this one is also pretty dark, but they have recessed lighting, painted island and lighter cabinets

if you painted the wood,,,,

Several ideas I would discuss if I was called in to consult on this project. You can add some "up lighting" which will not be as harsh a light as downward lights. Another idea that has been mentioned several time is white washing the ceiling and beams, if that change in look does not offend you that will make the room much lighter.

I would also consider skylights. You can get fixed, or vented. You can also get between the glass shades for those days when the sun is beating in more than you want. Or have you considered light tubes? These are light tunnels that bring in daylight, and can be fitted with electric light source for night time hours.

One last option I would offer without the benefit of being there to see the room for myself, if Gable End Windows. That would open the entire sidewall up to the exterior and at night time would be a great place to accent the up lighting and flood the room with light.

Hope these ideas offer some help. Good luck

So a recap of what I consider some of the best ideas from previous comments.

Call in a lighting professional and have some proper lights installed. Layer to the human level. Remove (or relocate) the fan and instead have pendant lights over the island. Not black or oil rubbed bronze; choose a silver tone or brass.

Change the widow treatments to something lighter.

If the plants aren't real, they should go.

If you hesitate to replace the counters, then just replace the backsplash.

Replace one table with a cozy seating area.

Don't white wash anything, unless all else fails.

It really looks like you need more lighting more than anything else. Try that first, and if it doesn't work, look into other things.

Alpine Ski Home · More Info

Alpine Ski Home · More Info

Alpine Ski Home · More Info

Looks like a bar at closing time. You need more lighting.

Would love to see what changes you go with, raquelfla. Please come back and update if you can!

Open the window, turn on all the lights and photo again please. What is the purpose of a dining table at each end of the room?