Do a natural tumbled travertine backsplash with a stripe of glass tile. And add under cabinet lighting which will really make it all pop. At the windows, I'd like to see honey wood color natural roman shades to bring that color up from the floor & tie it all in. Whatever you choose to paint whatever walls you have, also paint the ceiling the same color. (which should coordinate with the glass tiles that you choose)
Pick a somewhat light reflective back splash. Something with a little sheen to it. Glass tile is all the rage but it's expensive. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using ceramic tiles either. Subway tiles are still quite popular and will work with any number and style of accent tiles. A shiny ceramic tile will help reflect light around the room.
Add under cabinet lighting too. That lighting will "bounce" off the ceramic tiles a little and brighten the overall look. Pick a light paint color in a semi-gloss finish. Semi-gloss will also help reflect the light around the room without it being glaring. And it will stand up to scrubbing better than flat or egg shell finishes.
And I would say paint the ceiling with semi-gloss but that's a daunting project. You have to be absolutely fussy about cutting in, rolling the first coat all in one direction and the second coat in another direction to stand a chance of getting a good smooth result. To me, it's well worth the effort. I did it in my kitchen and it not only made it lighter, it made the ceiling appear higher.
To emulate sunshine, think a wall color with some yellow in it. Does not have to be lemon yellow or a screaming yellow but a nice soft butter color. Then paint the ceiling a similar color but about 2 shades lighter.
Keep the stainless steel finishes going; they also reflect more light. If you can, use that finish on your small appliances also.
Then go with copper to complement the wood tones on the remainder. You can do this inexpensively with the textured wallpaper and copper metallic paint. http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/05/wall... This will take a bit of patience you can bring the copper and patinas into the look. Paintable wall covering comes in a huge assortment of styles you will not be able to tell the difference between the real thing. http://products.cutecat.net/garden01/search.php?q=... And the Ralph Laureen metallics are great.
Another thought is to use cafe window wood shutters matching the cabinet stain on the windows as it will make the room look more uniform. A valance in your accent color will finish the look. http://www.looklocally.com/images/media/10918/imag...
Add some real sparkle with the back splash! Look at all the beautiful glass tile out there today. Just look for something with lots of reflection. Keep your paint color on the light side and paint the ceiling with high gloss for more reflection. Keep your windows unobstructed with light or no coverings. Enjoy your choice!
Comments
Do a natural tumbled travertine backsplash with a stripe of glass tile. And add under cabinet lighting which will really make it all pop. At the windows, I'd like to see honey wood color natural roman shades to bring that color up from the floor & tie it all in. Whatever you choose to paint whatever walls you have, also paint the ceiling the same color. (which should coordinate with the glass tiles that you choose)
1
Baltic Brown Granite Kitchen
Baltic Brown Granite Backsplash
Pick a somewhat light reflective back splash. Something with a little sheen to it. Glass tile is all the rage but it's expensive. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using ceramic tiles either. Subway tiles are still quite popular and will work with any number and style of accent tiles. A shiny ceramic tile will help reflect light around the room.
Add under cabinet lighting too. That lighting will "bounce" off the ceramic tiles a little and brighten the overall look. Pick a light paint color in a semi-gloss finish. Semi-gloss will also help reflect the light around the room without it being glaring. And it will stand up to scrubbing better than flat or egg shell finishes.
And I would say paint the ceiling with semi-gloss but that's a daunting project. You have to be absolutely fussy about cutting in, rolling the first coat all in one direction and the second coat in another direction to stand a chance of getting a good smooth result. To me, it's well worth the effort. I did it in my kitchen and it not only made it lighter, it made the ceiling appear higher.
To emulate sunshine, think a wall color with some yellow in it. Does not have to be lemon yellow or a screaming yellow but a nice soft butter color. Then paint the ceiling a similar color but about 2 shades lighter.
Keep the stainless steel finishes going; they also reflect more light. If you can, use that finish on your small appliances also.
You will need to add reflective surfaces.
Consider stainless steel tile for the back splash behind the sink and stove http://design-4-lessblog.com/wp-content/uploads/20...
Then go with copper to complement the wood tones on the remainder. You can do this inexpensively with the textured wallpaper and copper metallic paint. http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/05/wall... This will take a bit of patience you can bring the copper and patinas into the look. Paintable wall covering comes in a huge assortment of styles you will not be able to tell the difference between the real thing. http://products.cutecat.net/garden01/search.php?q=... And the Ralph Laureen metallics are great.
If you integrate the copper with silver your kitchen will look like a million http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c214/chiefneil/k...
As for the rest of the kitchen and window treatments go with a subtle warm color grab inspiration from a vase or fabric...but don't do white or beige. http://images.bloomingdales.com/is/image/BLM/produ...
Corals, yellows and pale greens come to mind.
Bring the color to the floor too with a few spot rugs. http://images.bizrate.com/resize?sq=335&uid=157436...
Another thought is to use cafe window wood shutters matching the cabinet stain on the windows as it will make the room look more uniform. A valance in your accent color will finish the look. http://www.looklocally.com/images/media/10918/imag...
Add some real sparkle with the back splash! Look at all the beautiful glass tile out there today. Just look for something with lots of reflection. Keep your paint color on the light side and paint the ceiling with high gloss for more reflection. Keep your windows unobstructed with light or no coverings. Enjoy your choice!
You'll probably need a light wall paint picking up the tan in the countertop.
Consider glass tiled backspash in a bright turquoise w. gold flecks, and perhaps a honey colour on the walls.
.................................................................................................................