Are you getting rid of the knock-down on the ceiling? That will help raise the ceiling visually. Though I'm not sure why you're remodeling the kitchen. It looks functional as it is. Are you removing the island and posts?

Yes knock-down will be gone as well as all the ceiling fans. Recessed lights throughout. Kitchen will be redone completely. Island and cabinets will be all gone. Those are not load bearing posts.

I suspect your travertine tiles have an enhancing sealer applied that is giving the sheen and deepening the color. I would spend the money and have that all stripped off. There are sealers out there that will protect the floor and not change the color or sheen. The lighter color will help the room and be less restrictive on colors.

Yep eliminate the texture on the ceiling. Take advantage of the expansive space, but address the columns in the kitchen area.

Any thoughts about wall and cabinet colors? Maybe vertical shiplap on the wall?

You need a neutral white paint for the main areas - not the gray. Gray does not work with travertine. You could also use a white with a very slight tint of green to bring the outdoors in, but that also depends on your furnishings. I like the last kitchen you posted with the stained wood lower cabinets because it adds some warmth to the space. Warm white or cream countertops would work with the wood. Travertine is hard and needs some other natural elements. I had travertine all over in a previous home with light maple cabinets.

BM White Dove would look nice for walls and/or cabinetry.

Blues would also play well with the travertine and keep a beachy feeling. FB oval room blue—slightly muted, calming blue grey with a hint of green in certain light—or FB cooks blue if you want a more lighthearted punch of blue on the cabinets.

Agree, no gray with travertine. Can't tell you how many Mediterranean style houses we saw in FL with travertine and other warm finishes that had been "updated" by painting them gray. It just doesn't work!

you need a taupe color if matching the travertine. no blue/grays.

see if you like any of these

Or you could do creamy whites in the pink family. (whites w/red undertones)

Shiplap is horizontal like if it were applied to a ship.

When wood is applied vertically that is plank, paneled or board and batten.

Love this kitchen in your space.

Lattice strips applied to the wall horizontally creates a unique look.

Keep your colors and material very natural

Planks applied to the wall below likely hides the electrical added for the sconce lights.

Batten or Lattice strips applied to the wall with visually heighten the ceiling, but it is a casual beach cottage look definitely

13 years ago when I moved into my home, I used Foxtrot on my walls and ceiling with the porcelain tile designed to mimic travertine. But now that I am going to repaint I will select something much lighter

thanks everyone!

So no gray cabinets then? how about very light blue for the walls to keep it beachy? I was thinking all these taupe/beige coloring will make room feel old and boring?

following

My two cents. Keep it very light in neutral whites & creams, not grey. Personally I don't like the upper & lower cabinets different. Okay if it's an island tho. Vertical strips would visually raise the low ceiling plus shiplap is overdone, might be a trend that's run its course. The backsplash & some open shelves could have some aqua beach glass color; also glassware & dishes, contrasted w/ some cobalt blue in small accents would offset that all beige you're worried about. A deep grey green rug under a dining table will also help ground the space. Look for artwork like a sailing vessel on a stormy sea to hang near there as well. Obviously brass fixtures currently having a moment will mesh into the nautical theme just like on a real ship.

Suzanne Kasler did a kitchen that was awesome!!! It was beachy but not kitchy

https://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=250

I love blue on the walls with your tile. White cabinets!! You have unlimited opportunities!!

The present gray seems a bit lifeless, and the greige variants seem dull, the tans too monochromatic. Maybe start with the idea of sea-glass colors, and go a little foggier. Look at Benjamin Moore "Blue Porcelain" 1641, and BM "Woodlawn Blue" HC-147, and modulate from there to your taste. Here are those colors, which could look very nice with the pale gold travertine. Good luck finding a color you love!