4 design tips to brighten a dark kitchen

I’ve found that when clients have a dark kitchen, perhaps because of small windows or because of the low exposure to sunlight, they usually want to go overboard when trying to brighten up their kitchen.  So, I warn clients to consider the entire picture, not to focus only on bright or happy colors, but, to put together a palette of colors which will be lighter but not too white and jarring to the eye.  A common mistake is to go to the total opposite end of the spectrum, and make everything white and bright.  Typically, this approach creates a kitchen with little to no personality, and, in the end, will be too bright and visually cold.

Brighten with Cabinetry

It is usually best to use white or off-white cabinets – sometimes even mixing with other dark colored cabinets.  A medium to dark wood or tile floor helps to ground the kitchen and warm it up.  As long as the lighter colors are at eye level, this will brighten the kitchen up just fine.

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