How to Brighten Your Kitchen

If you have been to a party or family gathering lately, you know that the place that everyone usually ends up hanging out is the kitchen. No matter how nice your dining room chairs are or how big a television you get, people seem to gravitate towards the kitchen no matter what. But what happens when your kitchen is straight out of a 1970's horror film? What happens when your kitchen is dingy, dark and repelling people back to the big screen like a child running away from vegetables? 

You lighten up, of course! Having poorly light kitchen poses several problems, such as issues with preparing food and the drab factor. There are a few additions and tweaks that can be done to make your kitchen brighter, more cheerful and a place where everyone will want to gather. 

1) Lighting Choices

Actually changing the way that a kitchen is lit will change just about everything about the way it looks and feels. Seriously, good lighting can make Twinkies into a gourmet meal. With all the nooks and crannies that are in most kitchens, it's hard to get them all lit. Consider lighting choices like track lighting to replace the single overhead fixtures in order to eliminate shadows and show more of the details of the kitchen. Adding lighting can be a nod to aesthetics, but also to safety as preparing food in a dimly lit area could be a hazard to your health.

2) Reface Cabinets

If your cabinets are still in good working order, you may not need a kitchen cabinet replacement. Refacing is a lot kinder to your budget and gives you a similar look and feel. Although a dazzling ruby red or a deep black color might peak your interest, be sure to go for a light color to help reflect what light you do have available in the room. While you are at it, replacing the knobs with something light and airy will help to lighten the room as well.

3) Paint it Up

Every home remodel show does it for a reason; it really works to lighten up a room! Obviously, going with lighter colors is going to work best, but also make sure the paint has a slight sheen to it, as this will reflect additional light. 

4) Accent Accessories

While you don't want to have a million accessories laying around on the counters and tables, having a few that pop with color is ideal to brighten your space. Everywhere you look now days, normal every day kitchen accessories like coffee makers, blenders and even dish drainers are coming out in bold, bright colors that can pack a room with color. Even textiles such as place mats and lamp shades can now be found in cheerful hues that will brighten up your kitchen and bring a smile to your face.

For more information or to speak with our home remodeling expert, contact us today!