I wish I could help but I have exactly the same problem! I hope someone comes along and gives you some great advice. Mine's long and narrow with a small L shape at the end. Only light is through the front door, it's even been painted in the same colour scheme as yours and even though it faces south, still looked gloomy. In 15 years I've never once been happy with it! I did paint my dado white if that helps.

If the hall is that narrow and dark, walnut is not going to help as you've said. I assume you favour darker woods so wouldn't be keen on a light oak? If you really want the doors, add decent lighting. Go for an off white paint with a cream undertone with reflective particles. Add mirrors or anything reflective to bounce the light around. Painting the skirts and architraves white would help but I assume you want these left natural? Just a long shot but have you considered white doors with a walnut floor?!

Hello nicnoll, Another idea could be to have a wall light that is all about the bulb! A few links to both ideas.... Copper is good too... Guessing you can have them pointing up or down for ones that don't have a moving hinge.. http://www.oldschoolelectric.com/vintage-light-bulbs/ http://www.industville.co.uk/collections/wall-sconce-bar-restaurant-lamps/products/vintage-barn-angled-brass-wall-lamp A ceiling light.. http://www.industville.co.uk/collections/ceiling-lights-lampshades/products/brooklyn-vintage-brass-cone-lampshade OR.. One other idea... have a rose with multi flex wires... centralised where the current one is.. Then choosing cable/flex and lengths.. run them along to where you want.. either along ceiling.. in loops with hooks to loop round and fix position, so then excess becomes a drop pendant to add something lovely.... Or you run them in loops across the ceiling to the opposite wall and have a wall light fitting but the electric cable comes from the one ceiling point. So less to do wiring wise.. Plus this makes for a very interesting bespoke installation.. with coloured flex cable running in loops along the hallway.. . : )) http://www.urbancottageindustries.com/historic-lighting/ceiling-roses/multiple-outlet-ceiling-roses/ceiling-rose-multiple-cable-flex-outlet-vintage-brass http://www.urbancottageindustries.com/historic-lighting/fabric-cable/twisted-lighting-flex/copper-fabric-lighting-flex-cable-twist

Not quite for the kitchen. Sorry, I should have drawn it...the units set on the bottom ŵall are correct but just in a straight line..The other part of the L shape is on ŵall B on your plan. The dining table would be in front of the units on the bottom ŵall. If unclear (quite possibly from my description!) I'll post a pic tomorrow