How can I brighten up my kitchen?

What kind of look are you going for? Beachy, rustic, modern, etc?

Hi Darlen, I love these links that feature the latest beach colors, some of the pics might give you inspiration:

https://www.coastalliving.com/homes/paint-color-trends-2018

https://www.thespruce.com/best-beach-inspired-paint-colors-797960

The pale blue, white is classic beachy look. also add soft light grey accents.. possibilities are endless

I like the yellow counters, how about a pale yellow to go with the counters for the top cabinets, and maybe a cornflower blue for the lower cabinets.

I love thee thought you had about the white walls and blue cupboards, perhaps on the light side, even a real.

I love the thought you had about the white walls and blue cupboards, perhaps on the light side, even a real.

Try a linen white for the walls in a satin finish. Write white for upper cabinets and blue for lower cabinets.

I think a creamy white color cabinet with pale blue walls would look good. Since your counter looks cream or yellow, I would paint the countertop a different color. Maybe a darker color blue. I would stay away from yellow, especially if you plan to leave your counters as is. Some good lighting (ceiling and undercabinet) will brighten it up a lot. Some new knobs for the cabinets would be nice too. This is one of the kitchen's I've done at the beach. (I haven't yet decided what I'll do with my current beach house kitchen, that will be next year.) This kitchen was done when desks in the kitchen were popular, lol. The cabinets were cream color and the walls were a light aqua. Like your kitchen, it was mostly cabinets and appliances. These are the only walls were you can see the wall color.

Our kitchen is probably even narrower than yours. We have beadboard ceiling. Open shelving for china. Pine floor that gets painted. I would recommend painting cabinets and walls the same color. Bring new color in via the floor and maybe counter tops (if you are going to change them) Don't see windows but if you have them you can add a lot to beach theme with them! I need to use my windows for display/storage. You have a fun project ahead of you!

Home Depot has amazing countertops. Something light and airy. Their quartz composite is unbelievable, I;ve had it and you can't beat it for looks or durability.

Darlen, I still love your beach cottage! Here are a few suggestions for you galley kitchen. First, remove all the handles and pulls and clean those cabinets with a good degreaser and then give them a shine with some polish. Replace the drawer pulls and cabinet hardware with something in a nice contrast metal - or whatever catches your eye. That will make a HUGE difference. Next, work the backsplash. If you don't mind covering the wood - do it. Something fun (color or pattern) that pulls the eye and makes YOU smile.

I'm just seeing this at the tail end of August - and I bet you've already done a bunch of these things. If you haven't, there's no time like the present!