Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay
Your kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in your home and when it is dark and dull it's going to impact how comfortable and functional the space will feel.
You don't need to do a major renovation in order to brighten things up. By making a few affordable updates you're going to be able to transform your kitchen into a warm and inviting space that works for you and your family.
Use Lighting to Open Up the Space
Lighting is going to play a big role in ensuring that your kitchen feels welcoming and bright. If your space has dim corners or shadows, then adding targeted lighting is going to make a big difference almost immediately. Consider placing small lamps or LED pop lights or even battery operated fixtures in the area where you prep your food or spend a lot of your time.
One of the most efficient upgrades that you can make is the under cabinet lighting. This will help to illuminate your countertop and get rid of dark spaces where overhead lighting cannot reach. This simple addition will not only make your kitchen look a lot more modern but it also helps you to read recipes, cook and clean with ease as well.
Even inexpensive lighting strips or plugging fixtures will dramatically improve the brightness of your kitchen. You can also replace old bulbs with energy efficient ones that will give you a cleaner and natural glow.
Incorporate Light Colors and Reflective Surfaces
The color of the room is very important as it's going to have a big impact on how bright the room feels. If your kitchen has darker cabinets or walls, you'll notice that the space will feel enclosed and smaller.
Adding a few light colors can instantly lift up the room. You don't need to repaint everything. Just a few small changes can lead to some big results. Try adding white or pastel accessories. Such as countertop organizers, decorative bows and even dish towels. If you would like, you can add a light colored rug or curtains because this will help reflect a lot of natural light and create a much more airy look.
If you're willing to take on a small project, such as painting a single accent wall, it can transform the room without a lot of money being spent. Reflective surfaces are another helpful trick that you can try. Choose shiny finishes like glass, glossy ceramics and stainless steels because they will bounce light around the room.
Let Natural Light Work for You
Even the smallest changes will make the biggest impact. If your kitchen has windows, then you should make sure that you are maximizing natural light by keeping them open and unobstructed as much as you can.
Swap out heavy curtains for sheer ones or remove window coverings to get more privacy. Creating a bright and cheerful kitchen doesn't always require that you do a complete remodel. With smart lighting, your kitchen will be able to feel more open and enjoyable.