What can I do to brighten my kitchen?
by
Carmen
+83
No matter how sunny the rest of my house is my small kitchen is always dark. What can I do to bring light to it?
72 answers
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Possibly paint the back wall starting to the left of the pantry and going down the hall? Try to chose a color scheme for do-dads and knick knacks, you could also spray paint your back metal wine rack the same color as the wall so it doesn't stick out.
Jacquelyn
on Oct 26, 2016
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change out ceiling light fixtures with same wattage but LED for twice as much light, less cost. add under cabinet lights?? I have same issue but with black counters!
Patty
on Oct 26, 2016
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Your appliances are a large part of the room and have black on them so they are probably what's darkening much of the room. Take the next largest thing in the room, the cabinets, and paint them a lighter color, white, pale grey, etc. White would go well to play off of the pantry door. Also, change your knobs to stainless steel instead of black. You could even paint your back splash a lighter color or cover with some brighter material. You have a really cute sign on the left that says "Family", you could use that sign as inspiration and go with that kind of color scheme. Change out your bar stools for a smaller frame and lighter color. You can also change your light fixture by either painting the base or changing the entire fixture to something with more lights or shinier frame.
Laura H.
on Oct 26, 2016
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I think adding a row of three pendant lights over the sink island would do the trick. Good luck.
Pamela Robertson Pullmann
on Oct 26, 2016
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http://solatubedaylighting.com/index.php?ver=... Check out this link. I had a Solatube put in my dark living room ceiling and it makes all the difference in the world!
Audrey Trubshaw
on Oct 26, 2016
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Ditto to Audrey's solatube suggestion--we have two and what a difference they make! And not really all that expensive. In the ten years or so they have been in we have had no problems with them at all in case you are worried about roof leaks.
C Crow
on Oct 26, 2016
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Way too much clutter. Take all off walls and counters and only put back wht use daily in groups of 3. Dont hang lots of small things...hang 1 or 2 large art pieces. Get rid if bakers rack and use low cart w art above. If u can, paint cabinets a bone shade. Paint walls a light, bright mint or spring green.
Rhonda Fox Jones
on Oct 26, 2016
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2 words: undercounter lighting (i.e. "hockey pucks")
Nancy Henry
on Oct 26, 2016
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So right to add a solar tube. Or, if possible put in a square skylight. We have two skylights in our rather large kitchen and they definitely brighten everything. Have a solar tube inmasterbath.
Alyce
on Oct 26, 2016
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You have lots of well placed Can lites and then this teeny weeny light fixture in the center of your kitchen...change that..get something larger that actually adds to this space and frankly a cheap fix is to paint the ceiling in a bright glossy white...love your appliances and it looks as if you have created a [photo wall] for your family. What you could do is enlarge that space where you display photos and have it cover more of that area...you can make it yourself with a magnetic backing of course..simple fixes all and sadly even if we love our space designers of these homes never seem to give us great kitchens..more like an after-thought for a space we all live in and welcome family to hope the ideas I have help I tried to make then fast,cheap and good..:)
Linda Kay Yeargan
on Oct 26, 2016
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My first thought also was a solatube. Also get rid of some of the clutter and probably paint your cabinetry. The black appliances don't help, so do something different there when it's time to replace anything.
Beverly
on Oct 26, 2016
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Add a skylight tube, maybe it's called a Sun Tube. Sure helped ours.
Glenna
on Oct 26, 2016
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Reorganizing the space and eliminating the clutter would be a good start. Adding Puck Lights above and below the cabinets would add elegance and ample lighting. Installing glass front cabinet doors adds sophisticated functionality to the room. Inexpensive, small and subtle changes will have a huge impact.
Ron
on Oct 26, 2016
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Paint the chairs and cabinets a soft ivory semigloss ( reflects light), remove clutter, keep the bergundy towel for a pop of color, maybe under counter lights?
Ann
on Oct 26, 2016
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Get rid of all the black stuff, and dark frames, chane out light fixture to all glass, crystal or white, cover back side of fridge, and paint the cabinets a sushine or golden wheat satin and ceiling bright white.
Johnchip
on Oct 26, 2016
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Paint your cupboards to match your door
Candice
on Oct 26, 2016
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What a beautiful kitchen!! How about a simple chandelier with more bulbs to brighten your space? You might also think of removing the pantry door and add some cool wall lighting!! If none of that strikes your fancy, you could always add some push lights under the cabinets😏
Galena
on Oct 26, 2016
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Ask around different areas different prices, around a thousand, I think.
Glenna
on Oct 26, 2016
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I like to keep my kitchen neat and tidy as most of the visitors hop into the kitchen just to say a Hello or to talk to my wife.
Isa12860944
on Oct 27, 2016
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The biggest change may come the simplest - change all your bulbs to LED DAYLIGHT. Makes a HUGE difference!
Bonnie Tamrack
on Oct 27, 2016
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I would remove the Bakers rack, all the things on the wall. If you need room for storage, I would add a wall mounted set of shelves. This leaves the floor area clear and makes the room feel bigger. Paint the rattan chairs a dark brown and change the fabric on the chairs for something bright / fun. Remove the items on the counters for a clean, spacious look. You could add something for a pop of colour, large candles in/on holders, fruit basket, basket for flowers, bread, whatever. Add Crown moulding, paint the walls a greenish/grey soft colour in flat paint. Don't be afraid of darker colours, they will make your cabinets and counters pop. Right now they all kind of blend into each other giving the illusion of being a dull space. Change out your light for a fixture that shines light down into your kitchen instead of up onto,the ceiling. When it's done, don't put small pieces of art onto the wall, use something bold to make a statement, a huge clock, picture or dimensional art. Have fun with it. If you're like me, I spend a great deal of time in my kitchen. Do something you will enjoy.....don't worry if you're not wild about paint choices, paint is relatively inexpensive, you can always change it! Good luck!
Lisa Terry Hann
on Oct 27, 2016
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Track lighting above the island area would really brighten up the area. Keep an eye out at the big box stores for track lighting that is on clearance...we bought ours for $20.00! It can also be used just outside the cabinets that do not go all the way to the ceiling..
Mce7843633
on Oct 27, 2016
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White appliances, a windowed door
Teresa Duffey
on Oct 27, 2016
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I just bought LED 90 watt equivalent daylight bulbs to put into my canned lighting for my dark kitchen. Major difference. Quick, easy and inexpensive.
Wendy Miller
on Oct 27, 2016
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I find it helpful to declutter first - then take some pictures of your kitchen. Notice that if you brought some things to the tops of your cabinets, it would draw the eye up and help declutter you counter tops. Maybe consider moving the baker's rack and putting a nice elongated picture there? Also small lamps are cute in the kitchen and ad a tiny bit more light and ambience. Hope I was helpful to you!
Kak13730040
on Oct 27, 2016
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Yellow paint would really make things pop,a large rustic mirror on the wall by the bakers rack to reflect light back in the room and a small kitchen themed stained glass hanging lamp in place of the black and white ceiling light for intrest .and it would reflect in the mirror ...but overall you have a great kitchen with really nice features : )
Kim Salmi
on Oct 27, 2016
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Such wonderful suggestions. But I think the best answer for my needs will be to bring in some natural light into the kitchen by tube or skylight. Which unfortunately is the most expensive but will bring natural light in. Thanks all!!
Carmen
on Oct 27, 2016
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First of all, declutter. The space looks cramped and messy. Replace your can light bulbs with LED ones...preferably ones that say 4200-5000K. it will brighten up the kitchen. If possible, a skylight or tube light will certainly add light. Its a tall job, but paint the cabinets white also.
Lynn
on Oct 27, 2016
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how about a nice border on the wall where the bakers rack is and maybe above the cabinets
Rachel
on Oct 27, 2016
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Under cabinet lighting....
Leisa Yeager
on Oct 27, 2016
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Lots of good suggestions. Solar tube is great, but won't help at night. De-clutter! Update/paint cabinets white /off-white with new silver-toned hardware. Paint pantry door, woodwork and black sides of fridge (for a built-in look) the same color as the cabinets. Get rid of bakers rack...use freestanding small, closed-door cabinet instead with mirror above (distressed, white or silver-toned frame). No need to paint all backsplash tiles, just the very dark ones (Make sure the sheen is the same as the other tiles). New light fixture would be nice...semi-flush with silver-tone metal. Soft-yellow walls would be cheery.
Carolyn
on Oct 27, 2016
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We had the same problem. LED lights made the kitchen very bright
Mary
on Oct 27, 2016
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Your kitchen is pretty light in color choices. It looks like you have recessed lighting. Is it bright when you turn them on? You could up your wattage. You could add under counter lighting or add a spotlight fixture to the center of the room. See below idea in link.......... https://images.atgstores.com/img/p400/13132/1...
Connie
on Oct 27, 2016
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The easiest fix I would do is pick a bright color for walls- a lime greenish color. Everything is spring beige tones. A "bright" wall color would certainly make the lights reflect and be more cheerful.
Susan
on Oct 27, 2016
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I would put in a nice window in the wall where the bakers rack is
Charlette Vroman-Smith
on Oct 27, 2016
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I installed a large ceiling light fan and my kitchen was totally bright and the fan kept the air clear while cooking. It was great! I also painted my walls yellow!
Mit11822952
on Oct 27, 2016
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I have a dark kitchen also. I find the best for me is to de-clutter then throw in a few bright matching accents, it seems to do the trick by relaxing the background. Start with the fridge, hang a corkboard inside your pantry for all photos and notes. Only have one dishtowel or item hanging from the cabinets/stove and buy placemats that match that nice green to coordinate a site-line. Maybe match that color and spray paint your canisters.
Nancy S.
on Oct 27, 2016
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That's the wall to the laundry room. Unfortunately there's no way to bring in natural light because if where the kitchen is situated.
Carmen
on Oct 27, 2016
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It appears to be the black on your appliances zapping the light that you do have. You could do a skylight if the house is one story. A bright yellow or something with some brightness in the paint would help---also undercounter lights to brighten the counter areas. You could also run some lights above your cabinets which would really add some light into the room.
Cathy
on Oct 27, 2016
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How about an accent color on the bakers rack wall? A light blue shade always brighten a room. Also consider painting the raised panels on the pantry.
Shauna
on Oct 27, 2016
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paint your walls the same color as your cabinets the same color would extend the size of the room instead of breaks in your view.
Linda Webb
on Oct 27, 2016
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You could try decluttering a little or you could buy metallic sticky tiles when the you turn on the light it brightens up your kitchen or if you're up to the idea that you can paint your cabinets White
Christina Contreras
on Oct 27, 2016
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how about painting the wall where the bakers rack is a nice bright accent color?
Rachel
on Oct 27, 2016
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Just in case you missed this... :) http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/s-15-easiest-ways-to-totally-transform-your-kitchen-cabinets-14299178...
Eileen Eisler Wagner
on Oct 27, 2016
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Remove all the clutter. Hand towels, spices up top the stove, frig magnets, wall decor, counter top stuff. Pick a nice fresh paint color, do not reintroduce anything taken down or put away. Keep the counters, walls, cabinets and frig free of clutter. Add back in a black utensil holder for next to your stove and may be a 'black white chalk, word sign' on the wall for theme and character but stay away from having stuff everywhere. You might consider a few artful (red/burgundy accents) in the corner shelf but only a few things, not a bunch. Good looking vintage tins, frenchy things, whatever, just make sure they're interesting and attractive. And lastly, you can always take the cabinet color down to a winter white, painting them. It will look lovely if you pick the right white to go with your granite, but you will also have to work at keeping them clean. (I have this same exact color combo in my kitchen so I know exactly how it looks) Good luck!
Sonya
on Oct 27, 2016
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Try using fewer colors. Paint the walls and cabinets with one variation of whit or cream. Paint your accessories black or chrome. Then choose one color for you pop maybe red and keep all other accessories in that one color palate
Laura Bauerdomurat
on Oct 27, 2016
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I would try to add rope lights on top of cabinets along with some under the cabinet lighting
Tonia
on Oct 27, 2016
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Dimmable undercabinet lighting works miracles!
User
on Oct 27, 2016
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Carmen, You are overwhelmed by now,i can only imagine & I agree with so much wisdom-OMG! it's great advise! I agree with almost all that's been recommended. i would also like to see some more greenery. Best of Luck!
Conniehatfield3
on Oct 27, 2016
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Hello Carmen - I certainly don't mean to EVER appear as rude but some of the other readers are correct - take down all the clutter. Remove magnets, tea towels (if you have a dishwasher, you only need one or two), consider only having one nice piece of "art" on the wall as opposed to a bunch of tiny things. Clear off counters. I can't see your windows but if you have a valance or anything similar, that reduces light into the room. You have a lovely backsplash. Think about painting your cabinets (perhaps walls too) a creamy white color. Go on Houzz and type in Kitchens and see how uncluttered they are. It really adds to the brightness. Your kitchen already has good features - counter, backsplash, etc. it just needs some fine tuning!! Go on Pinterest and type in "White Kitchens" as well. Good luck!
Elaine
on Oct 27, 2016
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PS: i forgot to add that green can really "suck up" the light entering a room (I learned that the hard way!!) and also gray. Be careful of those colors. Go to Home Goods and look for white ceramic canisters to hold your tea, sugar, flour, etc as that adds brightness. You don't need to paint that backsplash - it's beautiful! You haven't mentioned budget so I'm trying to just zero in on low-cost improvements. If you can afford it, I'd change that ceiling fixture and add pendant lights over the bar area. Just start by taking down the fish, star, plums, anything cute-sy but check magazines and/or Pinterest and Houzz. See how gorgeous a room can look when you take away "stuff"!! Have fun.
Elaine
on Oct 27, 2016
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As Sonya mentioned, decluttering would also be my first move. Clear everything off the walls, shelves and countertops and place towel hooks in a less conspicuous place. After giving a fresh coat of paint begin putting larger items in place. I would move the bakers rack to the center of the wall. Place the small stool in the corner between the door and the rack. Purchase some nice rectangle or square baskets to put on the bottom shelves of the rack. On the three angular shelves next to the counter I would put one item on each shelf. Keep the items in the same or similar category or color scheme. I would use a pop of color and repeat the color again on the bakers rack and perhaps a picture on the wall. The only thing I would leave on the counter would be some type of storage canister set and maybe a fruit bowl. Hang your pictures and wall art so the center of the piece is eye level if you're about 5'6" tall. I would limit the items on the wall to no more than 3. Keep your refrigerator clear of all items. Find another spot, ie. a mudroom or hallway to hang a magnetic board for these items. Your eye needs a place to rest as it scans the room. The last thing I would suggest is hanging a pendant light over the island sink area if possible or replacing the light fixture with more of a statement piece. If you place items above the cabinets stay with a similar theme and a minimum of three things. Under & above cabinet lighting would be my final suggestion. I hope this wasn't too overwhelming:) Have Fun!
Georgine
on Oct 27, 2016
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I had this same problem. Tons of oak cabinets and a darker color on the walls. I painted the walls a very light blue, bottom cabinets dark gray, top cabinets white, and voila! So much lighter and brighter! Good luck! :-)
Tammy Sea
on Oct 27, 2016
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I don't think it's the decor all I see from a first glance are dark appliances. Spendy to buy new bit you can paint them. Hmmm just a thought.
Darla
on Oct 27, 2016
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If you take the clutter out (i don't even have my toaster out) it will open up your kitchen and make it look larger. I would look into under counter lights.
Sharon Matheisen
on Oct 27, 2016
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I had a solar tube put in my kitchen to bring light in.
Shirley Brady
on Oct 27, 2016
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Georgine has some good suggestions I understand your problem believe me we downsized when we built our house nothing fancy I have medium oak cabinets a lot of folks r painting theirs lighter colors but with other wood elements in our home these Work great I love old antiques but because of space about a year ago I started removing things from my counters that weren't really needed and stopped buying new things that made it looked cluttered removing things from your walls actually can make it seem lighter and not as busy please don't feel offended we are just giving suggestions to help you don't have to sell or give things away yet pack away then if you ever want to change things out it's like Christmas all over again good luck
Karen
on Oct 28, 2016
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Incorporate a custom mirror wall at the best angle to reflect light back into the room.
Dms8811450
on Oct 28, 2016
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Your kitchen is bright compared to mine. I'm still working on it but light colors really make a difference. My stove is old (coppertone) so I wasn't afraid to paint it Home depot sells spray appliance paint. I've had no problems. Another option that I saw on home improvement was to have a paint shop (for cars) and you get a perfect paint job. My sister-in-law covered the front of her fridge with wallpaper and it looked great. Hope these help. Good luck!
Linda Cuz-Blackburn
on Oct 28, 2016
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You have done everything correctly to brighten the kitchen with paint and cabinets, etc. From the picture, it looks as if lighting is limited. Pot lights are great put light in specific areas. We have the same problem at my home. We replaced the light (your dome light) with track lighting using small halogen bulbs. The results were outstanding. I do not have cabinet lights some I used small lamps. It worked very well. I hope this will help!
Stephanie corley
on Oct 28, 2016
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Everything is pretty monotone in color. I would add splashes of color with colorful jars holding spoons, etc. Putting greenery above the cabinets with colorful plates in holders. This is how I get color in my house.
Barb
on Oct 28, 2016
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Consider going through your kitchen and giving away, donating, packing away or selling the tons of "stuff" sitting on counter tops and in open shelves. I am downsizing my house after retiring several years ago and getting rid of things I never use or were given to me that I really didn't want. I am also an impulse buyer, and that is a terrible habit to get rid of. Clear the kitchen of EVERYTHING that is not nailed down and keep only what you need or really want. You do not seem to have a color scheme so that might be a good place to start as well. I chose a deep sky blue (walls), white (woodwork) and a few red accent pieces since my kitchen is only 9' x 9.5' - not too much space to work with. You might also consider hiring a decorator or a few hours to help with color choices and arranging what you keep. I had a decorator help me choose colors for my living rm. and was very pleased. A ceiling fan with 4-5 fixtures would add light as well. You can get fans in the 45" range as I did for my dining rm. replacing a larger size.
Ginny
on Oct 28, 2016
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your kitchen is lovely, think about adding a contrasting trim around the ceiling edges, a different more open center ceiling light . change the color on the inside of the open corner shelf maybe pale blue. match the wall trim or that door, shades of white are nice but some times lighter shades of bright colors help more
Carolyn Davis
on Oct 28, 2016
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My motto is always less is more!
Teresa Duffey
on Oct 29, 2016
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The exhaust over the stove/microwave above the cabinets, I would paint the same as the wall. That way it doesn't stand out. The way it is, it takes away the open look.
Danielle Odin
on Oct 30, 2016
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Better you install a few Ceiling Bulbs.
Isa12860944
on Oct 30, 2016
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I am a fan of white cabinets. Did you ever think about painting the cabinets white? Your stainless and black appliances would pop if the cabinets were white. Your granite counter tops would look great also. Definetly de clutter too...
Pattie
on Oct 30, 2016
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Get a couple of colorful good-sized fruit prints (very simple, two big apples a tomato) and replace the small ones you have next to the wire rack. Will draw the eye and brighten. That wall is way too crowded with small stuff and adds to feeling of clutter. You can find great stuff at Home Goods or Art.com. Reasonable. All your chachkas are small and brownish. You need color. Switch white coffee maker and food processor with glass canisters which you might be able to stack. Replace your "family" sign with one more colorful, or paint it. Lower it please. Your room will look bigger if there isn't so much stuff high on the wall. Bring the plant down to the bottom shelf. Again its color where you want and need it. Painting the cabinets would be great, but if you're not up to that, changing where the eyes are drawn and bringing color can help a great deal.
Jcraw
on Oct 30, 2016
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remove all that little stuff off the walls & counter, paint the cabinets white, remove that basket on top of fridge & all that clutter on the fridge
Gayle Davidson
on Oct 31, 2016
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With all the suggestions, what have you decid d on doing? Hope you post new picture from same angle when done.
Susan
on Oct 31, 2016
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Paint the kitchen a nice yellow. I like Peach Glow from Behr.
Arla Albers
on Nov 03, 2016
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I say paint your cupboards to match your white door. That will make it look bright, spacious and fresh
Candice
on Nov 04, 2016
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