Dark kitchen - what to do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here is an article by someone who transformed her kitchen with Venetian Gold countertops. She painted the cabinets, which were very dark, white and lightened up the backsplash.

https://pinkpeppermintdesign.com/interior-design-light-and-bright-kitchen-remodel/

Just to add that a polished zellige tile in off-white/light beige could be considered. They carry some reflection, but don't forget under cabinet lighting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here is an article by someone who transformed her kitchen with Venetian Gold countertops. She painted the cabinets, which were very dark, white and lightened up the backsplash.

https://pinkpeppermintdesign.com/interior-design-light-and-bright-kitchen-remodel/

Thanks. I like her before pics more than the after though. Those espresso cabinets and flooring look pretty. If I had that much natural light I would have left it alone. Mine are more reddish brown with cherry flooring making it like a 90's kitchen.

My kitchen is pretty much same layout but where the windows are is my pass through and on either side of pass through I have cabinets and on the left of the set of cabinets left of pass through is my oven making everything gloomy and dark. My island is rotated the other way.

But I do see how the white makes the place so much brighter so I may have to do that. Maybe not a stark white but like the one in the previous picture you posted. The Venetian gold countertop actually looks just fine in both pictures with white cabinets so I could leave that alone.

[Anonymous]

Some ideas in the decor category (e.g., not cutting a window in the wall). Many smaller lighting sources really do help—consider sconces and mirrors. And adding a semi-shiny tile as the prior poster said will help the light bounce around the room.

https://www.rejuvenation.com/shop/bath/bath-sconces-bath/?cm_type=gnav&originsc=lighting

https://www.wayfair.com/Gracie-Oaks--Prout-Farmhouse-Beveled-With-Shelves-Accent-Mirror-X116597573-L41-K~W005486462.html?refid=GX560448448510-W005486462_1311693320&device=c&ptid=1430416937169&network=g&targetid=pla-1430416937169&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=79444474&fdid=1817&PiID%5B%5D=1311693320&gclid=CjwKCAiAl9efBhAkEiwA4Torih-35cKR3ugRDfvUVVIy8KkLTq69Ew9l4_acbGYTmCfFaHJ6ZW6TSBoCBQEQAvD_BwE

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some ideas in the decor category (e.g., not cutting a window in the wall). Many smaller lighting sources really do help—consider sconces and mirrors. And adding a semi-shiny tile as the prior poster said will help the light bounce around the room.

https://www.rejuvenation.com/shop/bath/bath-sconces-bath/?cm_type=gnav&originsc=lighting

https://www.wayfair.com/Gracie-Oaks--Prout-Farmhouse-Beveled-With-Shelves-Accent-Mirror-X116597573-L41-K~W005486462.html?refid=GX560448448510-W005486462_1311693320&device=c&ptid=1430416937169&network=g&targetid=pla-1430416937169&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=79444474&fdid=1817&PiID%5B%5D=1311693320&gclid=CjwKCAiAl9efBhAkEiwA4Torih-35cKR3ugRDfvUVVIy8KkLTq69Ew9l4_acbGYTmCfFaHJ6ZW6TSBoCBQEQAvD_BwE

Whoa. Didn't realize sconces were this expensive.

My kitchen looks similar to this in color but less natural light, and oven is on left wall:

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/98/31/52/983152c5a45c2dbe0632d84a1ef2b5f8.jpg

If I were to paint it sage for bottom cabinets, white for top cabinets and change to a gray or natural oak floor, would it look fine? Keeping the venetian gold granite.

[Anonymous]

Another approach to consider.

Replace the counters with something marble or marble like. Remove all the uppers on the sink side and put glass doors on either side of the range. Put sconces on either side of the sink, then a large mirror on the sink side wall furthest from the range with another sconce flanking it. (Rejuvenation is pricey--you can find acceptable, cheaper sconces on sites like lampsplus.)

You would not paint the cabinets in this approach. For flooring, I would not change, particularly if it runs into the adjoining room--you need continuity in the floor stain. If you really want a lighter color, I would suggest changing the flooring to another material like tile. Also, whatever you do, don't do grey stain on the floors, this trend has ended in favor of more natural floor stains.

[Anonymous]

I have an internal kitchen with no windows. We have one solar tube and it adds light during the day which is really nice. We also have under cabinet lighting which really helps the space at night.

[Anonymous]

Agree with replacing the counter tops.

May seem the most expensive thing to replace in the kitchen, but if you chose a granite, porcelain, quartz where the white is very white it will do wonders in tricking the eye to feel the room is brighter with darker cabinets.

Replace your backsplash with a whiteish based tile (not too bright or shiny; it could be a grey/white, beige/white, green or blue/white),

Paint your walls and have your ceiling painted an white color

Update your hardware.

Add recessed lights where you stand the most in the kitchen, right over the sink - I would add semi flush or hanging fixtures if you have and island.

Hopefully your cabinets go to the ceiling. Shorter cabinets make the kitchen seem smaller if you have 9' or less ceilings.

Stay away from creamy tones - the yellow undertone in them will not brighten your dark room.

No window dressing on your window in the kitchen. Give the room as much light or brightness the window can offer.