How to Brighten Up a Gloomy Kitchen

Say goodbye to gloominess and hello to brightness!

Dim and dull kitchens are a no-no from both a practical (safety) and design perspective. A dark kitchen can make it difficult for you to see clearly, especially when you are cooking, which can lead to accidents such as cuts or burns. Furthermore, a poorly lit kitchen can also make it harder to identify potential issues, such as spills or dirt, which can contribute to an unclean and unhygienic environment.

In newer high-rise properties today where area sizes are smaller, kitchens often do away with windows, or buildings are built close together, blocking natural light paths. Thankfully, the way to brighter and livelier kitchens isn’t all that difficult to achieve. Here are six ways to kick up the energy and brightness in your kitchen!

1.Go for an all-white or light neutral colour scheme

Choosing to go brazen white with kitchen walls, floors, and tiles can be an incredibly impactful way to brighten up a dark kitchen. It can also make a space feel larger and more open.

You can even take it a step further by introducing high-gloss surfaces for your kitchen cabinets, counters, and appliances to bounce light around the kitchen, creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere, as pictured in this all-white kitchen by Inspire Edge Studio. They can add a sleek and modern look to a kitchen, plus the materials are easy to clean up and maintain.

2. Accent it with vibrant colours and patterns

If you are going for an all-white or light-neutral colour scheme, accent it with vibrant colours and fun patterns for your soft furnishings, such as curtains, chair cushions, tablecloths, and rugs. This contrast can create a lively and energetic atmosphere, making the space feel brighter.

Just take a cue from this kitchen by Anwill Design that comes with a pattern and coloured rugs and curtains that helps to make the space look more lived-in and cosy.

3. Maximise natural light

Another way to brighten up a dark and gloomy room is by maximising natural light in the room. This can be achieved using a combination of solutions. If your kitchen comes with windows, use sheer or light-coloured blinds, shades, or curtains to allow natural light to pass through while maintaining privacy.

If possible, consider installing skylights in the kitchen ceiling. Skylights can dramatically increase natural light and create a bright and open feel, especially in areas where traditional windows may not be feasible.

Instead of brick walls and wooden doors, consider replacing them with glass windows and walls to separate the kitchen from other parts of the room. This can help contain cooking fumes from travelling to other parts of the kitchen while allowing plenty of natural light to enter the room, as shown in this all-white kitchen by Alvaro Interior Design.

4. Install layered lighting

Layered lighting i.e. installing different types of lighting for even luminance, can remedy ‘melancholy’ kitchens almost immediately (if not wholly).

To achieve optimum, layered lighting, consider installing task lighting under cabinets or for your backsplash, recessed ceiling lights for ambience, multi-light pendant work lighting above islands or counters, as well as accent lighting in the form of in-cabinet lights.

5. Update your hardware and appliances

Updating your kitchen hardware may seem like a small change, but it can have a positive effect by helping to brighten up a dark and gloomy kitchen. Choose hardware finishes that reflect light, such as metallic gold, polished chrome or stainless steel. These finishes can add a touch of brightness to your cabinets and drawers. On top of that, it pairs incredibly well with various design choices, such as farmhouse or modern.

Also, if it is time to update big and small appliances in your kitchen, consider choosing appliances in lighter finishes, such as stainless steel or white. These finishes reflect light and blend well with a bright colour scheme in the kitchen.

6. Add mirrors or glass surfaces

When choosing backsplash or cabinet doors, think about using materials like glass or mirrors. They have the ability to reflect light and add depth, enhancing the brightness and spaciousness of your kitchen, as demonstrated in this modern kitchen by Deric and K Associates.

However, keep in mind that they are prone to showing fingerprints and dust, which would require regular upkeep.

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