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In an ideal world, we'd all be blessed with huge, magazine-worthy kitchens with windows and natural light galore. In reality, we do the best with what we have and sometimes that means using every trick in the book to add brightness to a dark, cave-like cooking space. Let these kitchen transformation tips be your guiding light (we know you see what we did there).
Kitchens
15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural Light
August 16, 2019
In an ideal world, we'd all be blessed with huge, magazine-worthy kitchens with windows and natural light galore. In reality, we do the best with what we have and sometimes that means using every trick in the book to add brightness to a dark, cave-like cooking space. Let these kitchen transformation tips be your guiding light (we know you see what we did there).
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White Out
1/15White Out
1/15Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn Source: www.laurenkolyn.com
There's a reason why design pros turn to white <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/paint-inspiration-guide/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">paint</a> to lighten a dark room — but they often take the concept even further. White <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/15-feng-shui-tips-for-expertly-organized-kitchen-cabinets-1911812/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cabinets</a>, white countertops and white tiles will all contribute to a brightening effect. As Matthew McConaughey's decorator cousin likes to say, "all white, all white, all white." <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/minimalist-kitchen-ideas-1927786/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">12 Minimalist Kitchen Ideas That'll Inspire You</a>Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightWhite Out
PHOTO 1 of 15READ LESS -There's a reason why design pros turn to white <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/paint-inspiration-guide/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">paint</a> to lighten a dark room — but they often take the concept even further. White <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/15-feng-shui-tips-for-expertly-organized-kitchen-cabinets-1911812/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cabinets</a>, white countertops and white tiles will all contribute to a brightening effect. As Matthew McConaughey's decorator cousin likes to say, "all white, all white, all white." <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/minimalist-kitchen-ideas-1927786/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">12 Minimalist Kitchen Ideas That'll Inspire You</a>Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn Source: www.laurenkolyn.com
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Cabinet Minister
2/15Cabinet Minister
2/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Dark wood cabinets in a light-starved space aren't doing anyone any favours. Replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with white ones (or go the DIY route with a can of white paint), marvel at your kitchen's transformation and wonder why you didn't do it years ago. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/mesh-modern-traditional-1921760/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">How to Transform a Dated Century-Old Home Into a Light-Drenched Dream</a>Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightCabinet Minister
PHOTO 2 of 15READ LESS -Dark wood cabinets in a light-starved space aren't doing anyone any favours. Replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with white ones (or go the DIY route with a can of white paint), marvel at your kitchen's transformation and wonder why you didn't do it years ago. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/mesh-modern-traditional-1921760/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">How to Transform a Dated Century-Old Home Into a Light-Drenched Dream</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Brighten Up
3/15Brighten Up
3/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
This one might seem obvious, but using brighter lightbulbs in kitchen <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/statement-lighting-styles-kitchen-1908317/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">light</a> fixtures will make a world of difference — and you'd be amazed how often this little "trick" is overlooked. Choose the highest allowable wattage for each fixture and let those bulbs work their electrical magic.Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightBrighten Up
PHOTO 3 of 15READ LESS -This one might seem obvious, but using brighter lightbulbs in kitchen <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/statement-lighting-styles-kitchen-1908317/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">light</a> fixtures will make a world of difference — and you'd be amazed how often this little "trick" is overlooked. Choose the highest allowable wattage for each fixture and let those bulbs work their electrical magic.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Make a Splash
4/15Make a Splash
4/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Adding a white backsplash to the space under your kitchen cabinets will go a long way towards brightening the room. In luxe marble or classic <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/subway-tile-backsplash-ideas-1919487/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">subway tile</a>, it's a small change that will make a huge impact. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/small-kitchen-design-ideas-1916131/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">24 Small Kitchen Design Ideas You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner</a>Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightMake a Splash
PHOTO 4 of 15READ LESS -Adding a white backsplash to the space under your kitchen cabinets will go a long way towards brightening the room. In luxe marble or classic <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/subway-tile-backsplash-ideas-1919487/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">subway tile</a>, it's a small change that will make a huge impact. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/small-kitchen-design-ideas-1916131/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">24 Small Kitchen Design Ideas You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Colour Theory
5/15Colour Theory
5/15Photo Credit: John GruenSource: johngruen.com
Have you ever heard of a peach-coloured cave? How about a lemon yellow one? No? Us neither. Paint kitchen walls a warm, sunny colour to completely transform a too-dark room — then stand back and let the cheery vibes wash over you.Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightColour Theory
PHOTO 5 of 15READ LESS -Have you ever heard of a peach-coloured cave? How about a lemon yellow one? No? Us neither. Paint kitchen walls a warm, sunny colour to completely transform a too-dark room — then stand back and let the cheery vibes wash over you.Photo Credit: John GruenSource: johngruen.com
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Pop Star
6/15Pop Star
6/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Adding pops of colour to your kitchen decor scheme isn't just a great way to inject some personality into the space, it'll also brighten the room significantly, especially if you choose a bold shade. Stick to one or two colours to keep the look cohesive. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/vancouver-home-scenic-surroundings-1898779/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">This Light-Filled Vancouver Home Takes Design Cues From its Scenic Surroundings</a>Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightPop Star
PHOTO 6 of 15READ LESS -Adding pops of colour to your kitchen decor scheme isn't just a great way to inject some personality into the space, it'll also brighten the room significantly, especially if you choose a bold shade. Stick to one or two colours to keep the look cohesive. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/vancouver-home-scenic-surroundings-1898779/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">This Light-Filled Vancouver Home Takes Design Cues From its Scenic Surroundings</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Fab Focus
7/15Fab Focus
7/15Photo Credit: Lauren Miller Source: www.lauren-miller.com
No one's going to notice that your kitchen has no natural light when they're too busy staring at a gorgeously bold design feature. Create a stunning focal point — like these eye-catching tiles or a vintage chandelier — and accentuate the positive.Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightFab Focus
PHOTO 7 of 15READ LESS -No one's going to notice that your kitchen has no natural light when they're too busy staring at a gorgeously bold design feature. Create a stunning focal point — like these eye-catching tiles or a vintage chandelier — and accentuate the positive.Photo Credit: Lauren Miller Source: www.lauren-miller.com
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Let There Be Lights
8/15Let There Be Lights
8/15Photo Credit: Trevisana KitchensSource: www.trevisanakitchens.com
Extra space above the cabinets? Put a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/lighting-trends-transform-a-room-1917503/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">light</a> in it. Under the cabinets? Put a light in it. Above the island? On the walls? Near the sink? Lights, lights and more lights. You can never have too many. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/16-outdoor-kitchens-that-will-blow-you-away-1927639/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">16 Outdoor Kitchens That Will Blow You Away</a>Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightLet There Be Lights
PHOTO 8 of 15READ LESS -Extra space above the cabinets? Put a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/lighting-trends-transform-a-room-1917503/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">light</a> in it. Under the cabinets? Put a light in it. Above the island? On the walls? Near the sink? Lights, lights and more lights. You can never have too many. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/16-outdoor-kitchens-that-will-blow-you-away-1927639/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">16 Outdoor Kitchens That Will Blow You Away</a>Photo Credit: Trevisana KitchensSource: www.trevisanakitchens.com
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Mirror, Mirror
9/15Mirror, Mirror
9/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
It's the oldest decorating trick in the book: add a mirror to any room and suddenly you've created the illusion of a light, airy space. Why not use it to strategic effect in the kitchen? Hang one directly across from any windows and soak in all that extra brightness.Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightMirror, Mirror
PHOTO 9 of 15READ LESS -It's the oldest decorating trick in the book: add a mirror to any room and suddenly you've created the illusion of a light, airy space. Why not use it to strategic effect in the kitchen? Hang one directly across from any windows and soak in all that extra brightness.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Precious Metals
10/15Precious Metals
10/15Photo Credit: James ButchartSource: www.jamesbutchart.com
Like mirrors, metallic surfaces reflect light — and they're a great way to add a heavy dose of glamour to your kitchen. Think metallic light fixtures, a gleaming backsplash and polished hardware. Don't be afraid to go for the gold (and silver and bronze, too).Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightPrecious Metals
PHOTO 10 of 15READ LESS -Like mirrors, metallic surfaces reflect light — and they're a great way to add a heavy dose of glamour to your kitchen. Think metallic light fixtures, a gleaming backsplash and polished hardware. Don't be afraid to go for the gold (and silver and bronze, too).Photo Credit: James ButchartSource: www.jamesbutchart.com
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Come on Down
11/15Come on Down
11/15Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: www.lauren-miller.com
Rather than recessed lighting, opt for pendant lights, which will quite literally bring the light closer to you (and to your kitchen workspace, where you're presumably working with sharp knives and could use all the extra brightness you can get). <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/black-kitchen-ideas-that-will-inspire-you-to-go-dark-1925714/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Black Kitchen Ideas That Will Inspire You to Go Dark</a>Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightCome on Down
PHOTO 11 of 15READ LESS -Rather than recessed lighting, opt for pendant lights, which will quite literally bring the light closer to you (and to your kitchen workspace, where you're presumably working with sharp knives and could use all the extra brightness you can get). <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/black-kitchen-ideas-that-will-inspire-you-to-go-dark-1925714/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Black Kitchen Ideas That Will Inspire You to Go Dark</a>Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: www.lauren-miller.com
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Shelf Life
12/15Shelf Life
12/15Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: www.lauren-miller.com
To combat a dark, claustrophobic space, you've got to lean heavily into airy and open — which is precisely where open shelving comes in. The white subway tiles behind these shelves add to the sunny feel of the room; just keep clutter at bay to maintain that clean, bright vibe.Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightShelf Life
PHOTO 12 of 15READ LESS -To combat a dark, claustrophobic space, you've got to lean heavily into airy and open — which is precisely where open shelving comes in. The white subway tiles behind these shelves add to the sunny feel of the room; just keep clutter at bay to maintain that clean, bright vibe.Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: www.lauren-miller.com
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Wood You Rather
13/15Wood You Rather
13/15Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: www.laurenkolyn.com
The danger of an all-white space is that, without other elements of visual interest, it can feel cold or even sterile. Add warmth and texture to your kitchen — while still keeping things light — with a mix of white and blond wood furniture.Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightWood You Rather
PHOTO 13 of 15READ LESS -The danger of an all-white space is that, without other elements of visual interest, it can feel cold or even sterile. Add warmth and texture to your kitchen — while still keeping things light — with a mix of white and blond wood furniture.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: www.laurenkolyn.com
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Bare Essentials
14/15Bare Essentials
14/15Photo Credit: PexelsSource: www.pexels.com
If you're lucky enough to have a kitchen window, do yourself a favour and don't cover it up with curtains or sheers. Dare to go bare and you might be surprised by how much extra natural light shines through — even if it means your neighbours can see you stirring steel-cut oats in your jammies.Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightBare Essentials
PHOTO 14 of 15READ LESS -If you're lucky enough to have a kitchen window, do yourself a favour and don't cover it up with curtains or sheers. Dare to go bare and you might be surprised by how much extra natural light shines through — even if it means your neighbours can see you stirring steel-cut oats in your jammies.Photo Credit: PexelsSource: www.pexels.com
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Island Time
15/15Island Time
15/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
If dark wood floors are making your dimly lit kitchen seem gloomy, break up the sombre surface with a gleaming <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/worst-to-first/photos/10-ways-to-add-pretty-white-decor-to-your-life-1907896/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">white</a> island. Whether you go for a custom built-in or opt for something more budget-friendly, the result will be a lighter, brighter space. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/modern-white-kitchens-1909607/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">25 Modern White Kitchens Packed With Personality</a>Kitchens15 Ways to Brighten a Kitchen When It's Starved of Natural LightIsland Time
PHOTO 15 of 15READ LESS -If dark wood floors are making your dimly lit kitchen seem gloomy, break up the sombre surface with a gleaming <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/worst-to-first/photos/10-ways-to-add-pretty-white-decor-to-your-life-1907896/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">white</a> island. Whether you go for a custom built-in or opt for something more budget-friendly, the result will be a lighter, brighter space. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/modern-white-kitchens-1909607/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">25 Modern White Kitchens Packed With Personality</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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