How can I brighten up my dark kitchen that has no window?

First Shirley breathe. Step back and take a look at what would benefit more for you if you have more cabinets then wall space do cabinets. Otherwise do reverse. Then when funds are replenished go forward. You can't do it all at once or you end up wishing you had waited you'll settle for whatever instead of what you want. OK so I would use a semi-gloss which is weird for a kitchen or any room other than a bathroom but it's forgiving. Light will bounce off of it and it's easy to clean regardless of what you paint first. If you do cabinets and can afford knows and handles get high polished metallic ones acts like mini mirrors. See its all tricking the eye to see reflexion and so makes room appear larger. Good luck.

under cabinet lights and under toe board lights are not to expensive. Go a head and paint the lighter colors and keep the counters as least cluttered as you can will help make it appear larger

Mirrors! Perhaps one over the sink with a small accent shelf below it, and another one or two near doorways that may be getting a little natural light that you can reflect into the room. If you can get your hands on a vintage/upcycled wood window frame, take it to a glass/mirror company and ask them to fit it with mirrors. You'll be surprised by the low cost, and amazed how this can trick the eye into imagining you have a real window and it will also add reflected light. Along with Maryloosgriffin's great advice (above), you should be very pleased with your results. I found strip lighting at Walmart in 12 foot lengths for $7.00 - battery operated but still effective. Focus on limited countertop accessories choosing those with reflective surfaces. If you are painting, go with semi-gloss, as it will also reflect light much better than an eggshell or matte finish. Finally, choose one bold colour that will really pop for a couple of accessories (even dish towels, or a painted flower pot to hold utensils...) to tie it all together and add interest.

Good luck!

You can add lighting under your cabinets, check it out:

if you can afford it .... and you don't have a room above the kitchen, I fully recommend you have a look at a solution we have in New Zealand called SolaTube (there are similar products with different names). This system allows natural light from outside to be transferred via a tube to be distributed around your room. You really will be amazed at how much light this product can produce during daylight hours. It takes a dark room and makes it bright.

Here is a link to show you the difference. http://www.hometech.co.nz/residential/solatube-skylight/before-and-after-gallery/

I have also used the more expensive option that has a ventalation system in it. I used it years ago in a rental property to ensure the tenants vented their washer / dryer and shower moisture outside.

I am sure you will love the product even if it means saving up for a little while.

1). Lights under cabinets to task light counters and (esp) sink.

2). A white or light accent wall. and..

3). Clear glass or frosted cabinet doors with backlights (costliest, but not too much).

I hate dark rooms, but white is too stark for me. So we use a warm cream that almost seems to glow and actually looks brighter than white. Every paint company has many shades of cream, use tester pots to find the right one for you. Satin texture seems to glow the most, too.

Thank's so much. I am wanting a satin texture

You've received some good suggestions. As you stand at the sink, are you facing a blank wall? If yes, envision a large window above the sink, perhaps one with multiple panes. Now, envision a bright place, perhaps a beach (sailboats in the distance?), snowy mountains, or a sunny field of flowers - some place you would enjoy. Last, put the two together. Find an old window, finish it as you desire, secure the poster behind the panes, and hang it above the sink. This will brighten that spot and provide you with a pleasant distraction.

if you have the option, use cool lights combines with warm and you will have a mimic of sunlight, makes a huge difference. we have done this in all our rooms especially our dinning room chandiler.

Thank's so much

I can't help answer the question, but I do appreciate all the answers because I am having the same problem. I am definitely going to do some of these ideas!

If you like sunshine days, use golden yellow and white. If you enjoy the countryside, pale olive and white. If you use Shiny Metal- Stainless steel - Chrome - Copper - Brass that will help. Although maybe the best thing would be to add one or two "Light Pipe's" in the Ceiling. I did this myself in my previous home!

Our house came with a mirror over the kitchen sink and OH! what a dumb idea that was, unless you are really fond of cleaning glass above the counter top and nearly to the ceiling. It never stays clean for more than a day or 2.

Paint your kitchen either beige white, grey white or even yellow. Put in under cabinet LED .rope lights

Paint can make a huge difference. Also think about a pretty and bright Peel-and-Stick wallpaper.