I would take your inspiration from something else- I can't tell the colour of your worktop- If it is brown then choose a brown or green for the walls.

If your worktop is grey then your palate is so neutral you can go for anything- I would buy a wall paper you like and put it in a picture frame or alternatiovely a patterned rug and then take your colour inspiration from the pattern.

That wall overlooking dining table would nicely feature a vibrant painting or print, with red and green in it. or decorative shelves with a great display of red and white treasures, and a hanging plant.

I like the suggestions above wrt wall art or shelves and treasures. I think the walls behind your worktops are also crying out for something - either a vibrant glass splashback or some feature tiles (perhaps brick-stepped metro tiles or something with some texture to it). If you were brave/bold with splashback or tiles, I would also add (or turn on?) under-counter lighting to highlight the accessories.

The ceiling light in the second picture also seems quite "tame" - if you could find a real statement piece picking up your accent colour or even in white, if it was big/bold enough, it could work well.

I think changing the blind to a roman blind and adding another similar blind above the sink would make a big difference, mount them above the windows so you don't block out the light. Romo make some lovely modern patterned fabrics and you can often get them on ebay for less. Another option is to have wooden venetians.
I'd also have some fresh flowers and a fruit bowl on the table for a bit of warmth.
Perhaps keeping the top of the fridge clear, or adding a basket which brought the top level with the wall units might make it look more finished too.

And I agree, the ceiling light fitting could be updated, there are some lovely glass designs around, look at John Lewis or BHS for a start.

A nice looking kitchen you have.

I think a green would look nice on that ŵall with the red and bits of grey. I would perhaps lose some of your red accessories. I agree with pannacotta re fridge, flowers and replacing the red blind. Does the table move further down that ŵall? It looks as if it does in the 4th pic but not in the last! If it does, I would remove the existing pendant and have a pendant over the dining table. I do like your existing pendant which could be hung lower but if it's copper would consider adding copper elsewhere. If you wanted more interest consider a wallpaper where the shelf and sofa is. I assume the bench is part of the dining set, if you don't want to use it there maybe add some cushions

Hi Sarah McNally

A bespoke glass splashback would breathe a great deal of life into this kitchen, they're available in a wide range of colours to suit your needs! - Bespoke Glass Splashbacks

If you're going to paint the walls, whatever colour you choose, we recommend Crown Clean Extreme Scrubabble Matt - It's incredibly hard-wearing, resists stains and can be washed! Perfect for a kitchen where splashes are likely to occur!

We hope this helps!

Regards

KB

Thanks all good comments. Blind is there to stay in afraid so is red accessories as can't afford to replace.

like the idea of the splash back we are looking for they at the moment as feel it could add what we need in terms of colour. Planning on picking those and then choosing a matching paint colour.

Your kitchen lacks colour, despite all the red appliances and accessories. Instead of getting rid of them, you may consider adding a wall covering that brings loads of vibrancy to the space. The wood dining table suggests a leaning towards country as do the shaker style doors, so what about this zingy paper from Adrianne's Dream or Red Tulips from Clarke and Clarke, or Indian Floral Damask Stencil.

Don't just do a feature wall, but liven up the whole kitchen with colour. I would suggest that you change the window treatment to something softer, like a Roman blind.

Hi Sarah McNally,

A chic lilac colour on the walls compliments perfectly cream and black coloured kitchen. Might not look good though with your red blinds and kitchenware. If repainting is out of the question think about art themes, ornaments you like and family photos. Moreover a lush green plant will do a big difference and can cost 10-30 pounds tops.

Why not try something like this very fashionable, very vibrant, not permanent and super cheap.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Set-of-24-bathroom-TILE-Stickers-DECALS-Mexican-wall-ceramic-Kitchens-decor-V2-/252143248432

I would suggest that you need to add a cornice to the top cabinets. This will add a level of classical detail that will really help. The way they terminate currently is a little abrupt.

Glazed glass cabinet · More Info

And maybe add some tiles in brick bond formation...

Kitchen tap with stone shelves · More Info

Hi Sarah. Just playing devils advocate. Do you need a splashback as they are expensive. Does the upstand not work with food splashes? I'm just thinking if you're going to have the ŵall and splashback matching (which is how i read your comment) it could be a cost that could be avoided. I like the red, would maybe just hide the utensils and pot as it looks just a little too much that side. I hope you don't mind me saying, just thought I'd ask the question!

I think changing the window coverings would be a much cheaper way to update the room and add some colour and leave the splashback, as minnie says this is costly.
I also agree re reducing some of the red accessories as they are quite high contrast with the other colours in the room.

As a householder I would say you have the start of a great kitchen, nothing much wrong with it at all. As a designer I would say paint all the walls red, not just a feature wall which looks a bit dated and bitty nowadays, be brave! I would avoid putting new tiles or splashback in place, it can date equally fast, but washable paint in terrific. Also, as a few others have suggested, change the roller blind for a roman one, in some fabric that includes the red of paint shade in the patterning. Don't overdo the red accessories, no more than about two and replace gradually with sparkling silver or even copper ones. Change the slightly undersized light fitting for something bolder and spectacular and put up some great artwork pieces, big and bold again, but things you love, over the table end. I would politely advise against stuff on top of fridge freezers too, keep the lines sharp and clutter free up there! Don't worry about over matching colours in them, but black or silver frames would be good on red paint. The bare bones are there and good ones, just needs a bit of character and something of YOU adding!

Hello Sarah McNally,

I'd suggest finding a lampshade that is red that will compliment the red in the kitchen and the blind. Try to keep the worktops bare and why not make a thing of the red accents.. Group the kettle and toaster together and the bread bin or microwave keep that by itself. The other idea I'd suggest would be to divert the eye away from the top of the fridge, by keeping it clear. By grouping the reds together you then give the room a more equal distribution of colours which will work well with the white. The eye will then focus on the room as a whole. One other suggestion would be to have a large bowl of red apples on the table.. :))

Thanks really struggling still will think more on it!

Check out the typography I created to add a twist to a kitchen (in my Kitchen Mural project on my page)! The colouring of the kitchen was very similar to yours....

Hello,

I love green and I actually have a question for ajs141. I love this green colour and we are thinking of using it in our kitchen as well. Our kitchen is smaller than yours though. Do you think that this colour makes the room looks smaller? Sorry I posted here but I can't find a way to message ajs141 directly. Thank you.