SFGate

MAlps How about such countertops
, and something newer than pale yellow which really wont do anything for room

edoubles439 I think you should try adding hardware to the cabinets for sure. If you want to be adventurous try removing the top two cabinet doors by the window and replacing them with glass inserts.

Judith Taylor Designs I would definitely rethink the pale yellow. It just doesn't make sense in the direction you are heading. A black and white colour scheme can be quite dramatic or classic if you are painting your existing cabinets. I would add hardware to the doors to give interest (and function) and for the walls pick a neutral colour for a classic look. It looks like there is a vent over the cabinet above the microwave. I would paint that the wall colour rather than black so it doesn't stand out. You could even paint the wall over the bulkhead a dark smokey colour to lessen the contrast so the cabinets appear to float towards the ceiling.

lulamarie If you went with a more natural wood color for the laminate floors, your look would be a little more warm.