Beautiful clean modern kitchen! You have a great opportunity to put your personal stamp on the space with a unique backsplash. As you've heard already there are some different approaches. I'd probably place the backsplash up to the wall cabinets and up to the base of the hood. Then continue the backsplash at the same height (18"?) behind the sink. Then place an inspiring colorful picture above the sink to break up the wall. Here's a picture with pendants that aren't too obtrusive. Having multiple levels of lighting at different lumens makes a more inviting feel to the space. I couldn't decipher your flooring, but you may also want to consider adding some nature elements like a type of wood flooring, wood stools, etc. Good luck! If you need software to plan out materials check out our Home Designer software: http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/

Thank you all so much many of you suggested darkening the ceiling and leaving the beams the way it is to avoid too much work. What color did you guys had in mind?? isn't a lighter color suppose to open the room? Talianko and Hyde Evans and Shauna? ( I preferably will love a rustic lighter wood look, and the beams but does sound like a mission to get it done as sanding varnish on the ceiling might take me forever but if I get brave enough I might do it Sstar. Brio I do so want those curtains gone they are shocking :)you haven't seen the outdated blue couch yet... but I have to decide in the colors of the walls first :) I am inclined to have a rustic look for furniture... more like farm style and I also like wash off colors...my next vibrant color that i want to add is yolk yellow ( don't roll your eyes that will be in a cushions or a vase a picture) I am very impressed with all your answers and thank you all so much for taking the time to help a girl out :)

Cooler tones and ample lighting are two ways to make a space feel larger. Furniture pieces with slim legs and details that are lifted off of the floor a few more inches, give an airy, spacious look. You might also consider incorporating reflective surfaces such as a mirror to catch light, or a polished lighting fixture to draw the eye upward. Hope this helps--good luck!

I think it depends on the style and atmosphere you want to create in the room. If the room is a formal, traditional one like your picture, then one large showy pendant would look great. However if it is a modern or contemporary room then two ( or more) smaller pendants would be a nice feature. It would also pay to think about how much light you are expecting from the fitting, especially since it is a cathedral ceiling. Do you need the ceiling lights for good general lighting or just for atmosphere. Do you have any photos of your room so we can see a bit more?