Dark kitchen advice, please

Hello! Your cabinets are very much in fashion. I would shine the hinges. Since you can't paint, maybe you can attach the Command strips and hang bright potholders and towels on the doors. Best wishes 😇

You could use sheets of tin or copper that fit the center of your cabinet doors. Make holes in the metal to form an image like stacked hearts or a pineapple. Use wood moulding to frame metal sheets and paint the moulding a light accent color.

There is also the option of refacing your cabinets. I'm not sure how expensive that is though, I understand it's much cheaper than new cabinets!

A new countertop and backsplash would be nice but the one you already have is white and your kitchen is still dark. Is there wall space that is colored and could be changed to white? That might help to lighten things up.

: )

Paint your pocket door the same color as the wall and use brighter colored rugs to get some reflection off the floor. you might change the bulbs in your undercounter lights because when florescent lights get old they get weak

Lighter colored blinds will help but more lighting may be the ticket

For the new appliances, I would go with stainless as that reflects and bounces light. I would also change out the current cupboard handles to something more shining and sleek (stainless or brushed nickel). I know you can't paint your cabinets , but what about your range hood? Painting that in a brighter color or even something metallic would make it a wonderful focal point in your kitchen. Definitely pick some bright colored towels, rugs, and accessories to top it off!

Hi Caud, I answered another question you had about your kitchen. You said you have several people living with you. Why couldn't they paint your cupboards?!! You could go out for the day and come home to some nice white cupboards! If they open the windows and use low odor paint, it could be done in a day! Make sure they paint the door too! You will find that your floor takes on a whole new look with white cabinets. If your appliances work, I would leave them until they don't. It's so expensive. When the time comes to replace them, it's best to look at pictures of other galley kitchens to see what yours could look like! Here's a link with lots of nice ideas! https://www.google.com/search?q=tiny+galley+kitchen+ideas&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwir647yotnVAhUHWCYKHRNqCi0QsAQIYQ&biw=1600&bih=794

As far as your backsplash, you can go right over them. Here's a how to link: https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-tile-over-a-plastic-laminate-backsplash/

Hope this helps!

I would start with soft light colors in curtains, and this will help also.

You can use a good sturdy removable contact paper. There are so many color and pattern options. All for varied budgets as well.

Hello Caud, I am in the same boat as you with a small dark kitchen. It has not one redeeming element. Your cabinets are the same as mine as well. I hate that color. So I am painting them with a cabinet enamel I bought at Lowes. Don't be foole, cabinets will not be painted well in one day. I am using a creamy white on mine and though my builders' grade cabinets are taking 3 coats of paint, the result is great. We took a hideous back splash off and I am probably going to install bead board because the granite is black with multicolored speckles. If I were you I would ask the others living with you to do the painting with the same paint I am using because there is no odor. Get those dark blinds off the windows and either leave the windows bare or install very light covers (blinds or curtains). You are fortunate to have so many windows; I only have one. There were stainless appliances there when we bought the house and if I could replace them it would be with white. Stainless doesn't reflect any light; they just look cold and dark. To make that small room lighter all the major elements should be light. The bench storage under the bay window is great added storage. Where you currently have that cart, I would have open shelving floor to ceiling which will allow you to store a lot of things without having a big, bulky piece blocking the light from the windows. One last thing, they do make paint for countertops so you could think about that then cap it off with simple a subway tile back splash. I hope you find solutions you can live with. Please follow up on Hometalk to let everyone see your end result.

maybe use a light background wallpaper with yellow to bring out floor color.can cut paper for inside ,that part of door that's flat.paper slides easier when wet to get good fit.could cut squares of wallpaper to look like tile and just wet and put on backsplash.will look like tile.hope this helps.

I know someone who used chalk paint to refinish their cabinets, and have seen tutorials on Pinterest. Chalk paint doesn't emit any fumes and is easy to clean up (washes off with warm soapy water). Plus, you don't need primer. If you have someone to help you paint (maybe "pay" them with a nice home-cooked meal?) this could be a good option for you. I also recommend updating the cabinet hardware.

One thing that would help a lot is to remove the dark colored shade over the window and let some light in. Also, the appliances should stay white or bisque for brightness. (White is more in style) Try adding pops of color with your small appliances, wall art, etc, but don't make things too cluttered as that makes it look crowded.

@Wayne, good, down to earth, logical, thoughtful advice. I felt as if I were missing the mark. I'm glad her floor is in good shape because the new flooring is all so slick, and rugs and mats bring trips and falls, too. I'm still trying to figure out how to drybrushing my cabinets because I'm so intimidated by getting the doors back on straight. Thank you. 😇

There are several under cabinets lightening you can place them under your cabinets . It gives out a nice ambience

here you go!

Your windows! Ditch the brown roller shade! Open them up! You can use the translucent film if you need privacy that way you'll get the light. Somewhere on here someone used cornstarch or liquid starch with an old lace tablecloth cut to the size of the glass...it was very cool. Don't bother with stainless appliances, the surface is always full of fingerprints. My almond appliances were light and had the great no fingerprint surface. I have to constantly use 10-w40 on the ss ones...constantly wiping them because there is moisture in the kitchen and they start forming rust in crevices if you don't keep up with them. Lighten up that shelf for the microwave..(paint, wallpaper.... ?) I used the stainless steel tiles w adhesive on the back over the wall over the stove and I love it! Easy to do! Not expensive at lowes. Now they have all kinds of half wt products that have self adhesive on them. New hardware. Measure the span of the existing one or unscrew one And take it with you so you get the right size. Hardware makes a big difference! Get something lighter or You need brighter under cabinet lights. I tried all kinds of lights bef I was happy with the brightness. Really, if your appliances are working, save $$ don't bother w SS that's a style that's going out now anyway. A bright area rug near the sink can lighten up the space. I've had an 8 x 10 Ratan indoor outdoor rug over my tile floor for years..just vac to clean or run the carpet cleaner over it. Good luck!

Thank you! These are great ideas! No I don't like the stainless steel for that reason fingerprints! The adults in this house are like children! lol I do open the roman blinds during the day but get no sun! thank you again!

I had a dark galley kitchen as well! Go for anything in white including appliances. See if those cabinets can be painted white as well. Any color goes with white so the possibilities are endless as to the accent color. So much reflection too! My kitchen is white, light blue and light gray and still galley but so much brighter. LED lighting is so important too, so much better! Good luck!

This is Hometalk. It is not for advertising.

You could paint those cabinets white with non-toxic milk paint, the original farmhouse paint. http://offbeathome.com/how-to-make-milk-paint/

Start by sanding the surface with a random-orbital sander and 150-grit paper. Use a fine-grit sanding sponge to get into crevices. Don't try to sand off all the varnish. The goal is to remove any flaky varnish and to roughen the surface for a good primer bond. Will take 2 coats. You can oil finish.

https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Mustard-Seeds-Paint-Ironstone/dp/B01GWBL0FY/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502860992&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=mrs.+mustard+seed+milk+paint

http://www.vandykes.com/milk-paint-quart/p/200658/s/02229082/?gclid=CjwKCAjwt8rMBRBOEiwA2F2biPNCQw3me3U5FkSgzqYzSYZdYBPBR264CSoDYTDPqUrJF6Kq1TwuERoCzGIQAvD_BwE&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ppc_google_pla&gdffi=ca3aee009e5c415da0d9c81a9ff6e5d9&gdfms=4E14381756054DDFBD3345A264A0EB98&ef_id=WPpobQAAAW07FPQg:20170816045627:s

http://www.milkpaint.com/about_art-fw.html

You could also put tin ceiling in silver for ceiling and backsplash too, this would give you a lot of reflectivity. or redo the ceiling in a satin white finish and add a bit of metallic or pearl glaze to create light reflectivity.

Lots of good ideas here. As for the back splash there are thermoplastic panels in different colors at home improvement stores that look like tin. You can put them right over your current back splash, even have trim for edges.

You need a pop of color to brighten the dark kitchen. Get rid of the dark bamboo shade add a white mini blind and a valance. Here's an example of what I would do to bring it to date and out of the dark. Paint the the walls a mustard yellow and a valance in a pattern mustard and red tones. Put new shiny hardware the old just blends in. Add a runner rug with a boarder. Accent the counter tops with items in those color like a pretty dinner plate on a stand, small candle stick light. cook books with bookends. If your find thing but are the wrong color sprY paint them to match. Here are the photos to help your kitchen get a new look.

Instead of removing back splash tile over it! Then you can pick color, design, frame it, and choose size of tile. As for painting your cabinets, if you have a senior center (no assumptions), church, or community club put up a help wanted sign. Even maybe there is a Hometalker close by that would assist! :) You'll be surprised how many people would love to help out. Painting the cabinets will turn that kitchen into a new world! For your under cabinet lighting did you use LED or panels? LED gives the cleanest, brightest light, and is energy efficient. You can also pick the color (white, soft white, ivory, etc.) of the LEDs. Just throwing out ideas.

I just finished a remake project of a friend of a friend who had your same problem and after reading your post I thought I would suggest the same colors that make for happy. I can't wait to see your finished project what ever you decide.

Have you thought of using a solar tube skylight to bring in more light? It is like a periscope. There are different brands, and they are no bigger than a small light in your ceiling. They are also cheaper than regular skylights. They are sold at specialty dealers as well as big box stores.

You have been given lots of good advice. Lighten up the walls, and counters, remove curtains/blinds as well. Good luck!

https://www.houselogic.com/remodel/painting-lighting/solar-tubes-beat-skylights/

Maybe add some light colored decals to the cabinets? Peel and stick. Maybe paint the range hood, and not all of the cabinets? Adding some lamps could help, too

Thank you!

Check this link out, The person used placemats on her cupboard doors, you could find light coloured ones and place them in the recesses. It could lighten them up a bit.

http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/s-31-update-ideas-to-make-your-kitchen-look-fabulous-29736946?page_num=7

Amanda from Hometalk wrapped cabinets in fabric, you could just leave the boxes and frames as is:

http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/s-31-update-ideas-to-make-your-kitchen-look-fabulous-29736946?page_num=11

Thank you! I will check these out!

strip lights under the cabinets which can be plugged into the existing outlets.

Hi! I'm a rental dweller, so I had to come up with ideas that were removable. My rental was built in the 1980's and looks it (yellow kitchen counters, sand color walls, original brown splatter linoleum, and the old maple color cheap cabinets). It took a while going through Hometalk and Pinterest looking for removable ideas, but here is what I ended up with (no video, just pictures of the results).

1) Painted the walls (Home Depot)

2) Removable counter coverage (EZ Faux Décor)

3) Stainless steel coverage on fridge and dishwasher (EZ Faux Décor)

4) Stick on vinyl tiles for floor and cabinets (Home Depot)

I also did the small bathroom with stick on vinyl planks.

wow! Nice thank you!

I would change the hardware to silver. You can get a pack of them at lowes for a reasonable price. Lowes or Home Depot have a peel and stick backsplash. For the floors you take up old floor and put down peel and stick squares.