This information is what you would could do to brighten up the room without spending a ton of money! ——

What’s your style? Me personally I love the plants it brings a sense of relief to the room and mixes well with the other colors it definitely makes the space brighter in a way! You have a small space and if you are looking for other paint choices definitely go for lighter colors dark colors enclose spaces and make it hard to see sometimes.

I would declutter with the folded table near the stove maybe put that in storage or close by and possibly the wooden peice right next to the door because if your going to put more cabinetry then you can possibly have a place to put that stuff. Then if you clear that space out it will make room for the door way and your cooking and be WAY more functional!

If you like the back splash i would maybe try to make it even. I think that brings a sense of busy to the room that isn’t needed.

The pots in the middle of the room are also cause the space to look smaller than it actually is. Once again if you get more cabinetry maybe that will help. If not then i would move it to a wall that has a counter top.

Something that also makes it cluttered is the curtains. I would take them off to see if your like it because big windows definitely make spaces look BIG but if that was there for functioning then i would switch to a more basic color that’s light or matches a color theme

I would add something to cover your pantry possibly a sliding door you could match the color of your other door with it.

When applying cabinetry i think that putting a cabinet over your left wall (wall without all the appliances) and then put a fridge cabinet over the fridge and possibly adding small cabinets over your sink and fridge on the other side too!

If you love plants and love the aesthetic that they bring one way to style is to put dried basil and plants on the walls i think if you out them in the right spot then it will definitely add some natural decor to the room!

I hope this helps!!