Add a skylight, use white paint on the walls to brighten.

Hi, we already have a sky light above the island bench. The walls are already white, except for the cabinets. Im thinking of painting the cabinets green

Is there a privacy reason for needing the sheer curtains? I'd get rid of them, repaint, add new light fittings and replace the rug under your dining table with a jute style.

Good one on the curtain.
What do you mean about repaint? What will i repaint and what color? The wall is already white. I was thinking of repainting the cabinet and counter green for drama. But im afraid it will make the kitchen darker.

The flooring is actually tiles, i am not sure if i have that much money for retiles.

Remove the shear curtains and add some bright and cheery prints on the walls. I think you are just lacking some happy colours. It isn’t easy to get a good finish cheaply on cupboards so I would start with those options. You could also add a large mirror opposite window to reflect light. Some flowers would also help

Do you think painting the cabinet green would be nice? Or nah?

There are so many greens. If you want to brighten kitchen I would maybe go green on island and white on rest.

The white walls are picking up the grey from the floor. I’d place a large jute/sisal rug under the table. IKEA has one for a reasonable price. This will allow the white walls to look white. Then add some accessories including art in colours you like.

Were the photos taken late in the afternoon?
There is an orange look to the white walls, and the sheer curtain has an orange tinge.
If the sheer curtain is cream, either remove it, or change to white sheer curtains.
You need some colour with artwork, and maybe a jute floor rug under the table. The tiles are not attractive and are making the room a bit sterile.. Are the tiles grey?
I would also take down that overhead fan and reinstall a more attractive one.

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Thank you. Just question on the rug. If i buy a jute/sisal one, will it be okay even if my table looks almost the same color as the rug?

And how big must the rug be? The dining table is not centered to the gray tiles.

Also, do you guys think my cupboards in gray color is fine? Or any advices too?

As shown in the above photo. The rug should be big enough for the chairs to be on the rug as well.

Rugs under table. How do you keep them clean? And stop chair legs getting snagged. Not for me.

Change the floor grout colour to white, I’ve done this and makes so much of a difference.
Wouldn’t paint cabinets but a feature light green wall in dining area and rug would help.

I recommend doing a mix of green and white for the cabinets. Keep the bench top white and change the handles to back, brass or gold. Stainless steel might look nice too but depends on the shape. Maybe adding some strip lighting under the overhead or the overhang.

If you want to add a rug under the dinning table, opt for a out door rug. Would be easier to clean.

We also would recommend a rug and complimenting art work on walls. The Designer Boys have series of art that can be bought individually or in a set of 2 or 3. Pick the art work that you like and match to a rug or visa versa.

To answer your question. The IKEA rug comes in a 2x3m option which may be suitable. I have it in a foyer and it’s easy to clean. I think having the table and rug a similar colour is a great way of toning down the tiles and giving you a good base to work from.

Definitely a large mirror adjacent to the screen door. It will bounce the light around.

Do i have to cover the whole grey tiles? My table is not centered based on the gray tiles too.

I’d leave the floor thill last, adding colour at eye level.
Also consider adding vinyl cabinet wrap to the rear of bench. Removable wraps will allow you to cheaply look at colours.

No you do not have to cover all the tiles... rug.just under your table and chairs. Add a big potplant and art and mirror . Ditch the curtains.

I would pick up the colours from your lovely stools and dining setting, adding a rug in colours of kitchen and stools would look beautiful, a narrow table with artwork or a mirror and some lovely pieces would tie in the dining table add some artwork to large wall, I think your kitchen would look great by adding colours to compliment it, agree remove curtains, could look gorgeous.

Sorry but I would just go with the tiled floor rug under the table any rug used in this situation needs to be big enough for when chairs are pulled back to sit on remain on the rug ie: same level

Centre the dining table on the tiles it looks like it should work. a side board on the end wall. add a couple of large framed art pieces perhaps some aboriginal in mono or bright colours

Hi, as a Designer/Draftsman, I get this question all the time! In many situations where rooms are darker or needing more light, there are several things that can be done. Often, it's a combination of several things that can work together to create better light. Some things to consider would be:

1. Adding windows where possible
2. Lighter tone paint on walls to help reflect light in the room
3. Gloss/semi gloss type flooring to reflect light
4. Adding light tubes or sky lights to the room
5. Adding a large mirror on the wall to reflect light & help make the room look larger
6. Type of lighting - LED, Halogen or brighter type light fittings - warm or cool lighting
7. In extreme situations, you could add a parabolic traffic mirror in the yard to reflect light into the room & change it with the seasons
8. Trim or remove trees/plants blocking any light penetration to room

I'm sure you have this problem solved now, some food for thought.

Good luck with your room!

It needs some colour . The table is nice , but the chairs are just boring . You like green .

So the very first step , go out and buy 6 cushions in a brighter green . Personally , I'd go a lemony green -- not quite fluro green , but more than halfway along that scale haha . Put 4 on the chairs , the other 2 on the stools . Around $100 . Does that pick up the room ?

The stools aren't really designed to have cushions , so if that works , think about new stools , or recovering the existing ones . A similar fabric colour to the cushions , or a frog green , or a forest green for contrast .

Does that work ? If no , play with blue , or red , or yellow of orange . Don't spend a fortune , just small steps .

THEN once you have your base-line , add a bright print or two , a bright appliance or two on the counter , a rug featuring your chosen colour , or a toned down version for the rug .

Then accessorise -- lets say you have gone lemony green , add a table mat , a tea towel , a clock in those tones .

Whilst I dislike grey and white , as they are there , I'd keep them . But one thought -- once you have gotten your base colour -- imagine redoing the splashback/tiled wall in the same lemony green , or even an emerald green for the contrast , or even just 1 colourful horizontal row amongst the white tiles !

I was under the impression that you wanted actual building design changes to increase lighting, not just colours of furniture etc?

As far as the rug goes I think it should cover the grey tiled or you will end up with another border around

It’s easier to go to carpet shop and pick what you like in the colour you like and get them to cut it to the size you need and overlock the edges.

Hi there. It just looks a little unfinished. A large art piece on that wall would make a big difference. A plant either on the table or in the corner by the exterior doors would soften it up.

Bring in some natural textures like placemats or planter to introduce some warmth and texture. A tiny bit of black as an accent would be a nice touch.

Thank you all! I will see what i can do with all these great suggestions