Try checking out Kristina's tutorials:
http://www.createblog.com/tutorials/download.php?id=517Also another way you could go is go and find some light textures for icons and use those, or you can add a new layer of color and set the layer to screen of that sort. (don't get what I'm saying I'll post pictures)
Also you can try going to:
Image > adjustments> variations and pick the color you like best.