There are a few things you can do to make a low kitchen ceiling feel less oppressive. One option is to paint the ceiling a lighter color than the walls. This will help to brighten up the space and make it feel more open. Another option is to install some form of lighting that will help to raise the ceiling visually. This could be anything from track lighting to pendant lights. Finally, you can also try to incorporate some vertical elements into the space to help draw the eye upwards and make the ceiling feel less low. This could be anything from tall cabinets to a backsplash that reaches all the way up to the ceiling.