You copied the wrong code - you need to copy the code in the box labeled "HTML" (not IMG).

This post was edited by buehl on Tue, May 13, 14 at 22:27

Personally, I like white or light cabinets and that is pretty granite. Repainting the wall would be much easier.

It's the harshness of the white appliances against the much creamier white of the cabinets and earthy granite that is the major problem. Replace them with stainless. The 4'' backsplash is also a contributor to the awkwardness. Have it removed and replace it with some sort of tile.

Maybe try some different wall paint? Your granite is very pretty and so are your cabs. Maybe a pale, pale yellow to pull some of the gold from the counter.

I agree with other posters, change the wall color first; it is the easiest and least expensive change you can make.

You can go one of two ways, either go with a neutral that compliments the cabinets and countertop or go with a bold splash of color on the walls.

Either way, I would paint walls first. Worst case scenario, you spend less than 100 bucks and a few hours time

Did you paint the cabs yourself? If so, take a painted swatch of cardboard or wood and a sample of the granite if you have one ( these pics if you don't,) in to a kitchen designer at Lowes or Home Depot and have them help you choose a wall color that ties together the appliances and cabs. I agree with hollysprings that they are the things throwing the whole scheme off though you said you had budget constraints.

Hey, thanks, everyone, for the advice and help on getting my pictures posted.

In hindsight, I wish I would have done a complete update/remodel, but I just didn't have the money after the sudden spike in real estate prices last year out here in southern California.

I like the idea of starting with painting the walls first. I think I will go to Home Depot and see if they can help me. Great suggestion.

A friend suggested the very dark brown in the granite for the walls, but I'd rather not go bold in such a small space. Yellow would not be my first choice, but probably only because the first thing that popped into my head was yellow like the primary color yellow, lol! I know there are a gazillion shades of yellow, so I'll definitely look into that.

I was kind of thinking a warmer tan or something, because what's there is kind of gray toned. But I've learned I have NO design sense at all. Any other suggestions on paint color? I'd like a couple of options.

Thanks again for all the responses and advice!

Sherwin Williams has a pretty yellow-gold called harvester. You'd have to get a swatch or, better yet, a sample pot, but I can see it working. Their restrained gold is also a nice color. A soft green could be very pretty too, I think.

Don't be afraid of the brown. My niece painted her very tiny, one-butt kitchen walls chocolate brown, with white cabinets, and it was very sharp. There's more cab surface than wall surface. Try color samples and see what you like.