I had a dark kitchen too! The walls were ketchup red and the cabinets were light birch. Not pretty. I immediately painted the kitchen a lighter color and added xenon under cabinet lighting. This helped immensely! However, I still have that cave feeling and have been debating painting the cupboards.

I love your idea for glazing your dark cupboards. I think it would lighten the wood, but still allow the grain to show through. That said, they really are gorgeous just as they are!

I will follow this topic with interest to see how you resolve your issues. I do hope you will post a followup! :)

Your cabinets are pretty, but you're right, it's too dark in your kitchen. You have too many dark colors and little or no natural light. (No window) All of the suggestions above are great. Having a light colored floor would surely help--you can get a light tile (not white) and that's an inexpensive brightener. I'd also change out the lighting, add lighting under your cabinets, paint the backsplash and room a lighter color (all mentioned above), and lastly paint the cabinets an antique white. It will be your most expensive task, but will do the job. Also, is there a way to take down the wall divider between the kitchen and family room? I'd take that out and the bar. Make your island where the bar and cabinets are now. You'd open up the kitchen to the family room that way. Good luck!

Don't paint those cabinets! They are gorgeous!! Try painting walls lighter. Or maybe getting a lighter floor.

Here, the home owner added a wood floor which extends into the family room. Don't be afraid of wood in the kitchen. It works out fine and makes the space feel larger especially when its flowing from one room to the next. The island extends into the family room and is not inside the kitchen space which would work for your kitchen.

Arranged to Sell LLC - I love your white kitchen!! And I LOVE the little 'windows' above your cabinets with just a little light coming out - I wonder if I could incorporate that to take up that little space above my cabinets in place of my very ugly flowers...hmm..

I am hesitant to paint my cabinets white - even though I have ALWAYS wanted a white kitchen - A LOT!. I agree they are beautiful they way they are - my problem is this - every other piece of furniture we have is brown. Brown leather couch - brown entertainment center - brown brown everything. We bought the furniture when I was very pregnant and distracted with other things. And now that things have calmed down a bit I am desparete to bring in some calming colors and brighten to the house - and I suppose I just wanted to start with the Kitchen.

I have thought about taking down that half wall bar - thing...and making that into an island. There is electrical that runs there and Im so afraid that I would not be able to match the granite to extend it out a bit with some seating...Im an avid DIY'er but my mad skills dont go that far! lol But its something to think about as well - Thanks for the suggestions! Im taking a lot of great notes!!!

If you do decide to go the route of repainting the cabinets, then look into Rustoleum cabinet transformations. It is cheap, but somewhat labor intensive and you can go glazed or unglazed. However, if you decide to leave the cabinets as they are, you could try painting your walls a cream color or bone and try a backsplash like I have attached an image of. Is there a window in the kitchen? If so, if orientation allows, you could place a mirror on the wall opposite or something reflective. It looks like from the picture you walls are an olive green, which I think is most likely the culprit of the "cave syndrome" you are feeling. Try using shiny accents like either copper or silver accessories, and a rug could help a lot, as the floor looks pretty dark too. Maybe a natural fiber, like sisal, which would lend a more earthy organic feel and be more durable for a kitchen too. Just choose a lighter shade one. Too bad there is not a range hood where your B/I microwave is. That would have really broke up the cabinets and you could have continued the backsplash tile around it. In any case, I think changing the paint color, choosing a light backsplash, and adding a light-colored sisal rug will really change the dark feel of the room. Good luck. Post some after pics for us when you are done:) Oh, take a look at the attached backsplash candidate:)

xadavis....
I feel your pain. I love a white kitchen too. We just bought a new house, and what did I end up with? Oak! LOL

Thanks, glad you like my kitchen. It took me about 4 years to convince my husband to paint our cabinets. We painted the island a chocolate brown for contrast. I also have always hated the space above the cabinets and was happy to find other kitchens on houzz.com to give us the idea for adding the false fronts with lights.

My cabinets were dated so painting was easy. Your cabinets don't look dated so I think if you paint the walls a lighter color, add a back splash will lighten it up a lot!. I'm still loving the combinations of lighter blue walls with brown leather and bring in white or cream accents.

Congratulations on the baby!!!

I would paint the walls a light neutral and add under cabinet lighting ( both simple and inexpensive). I would also install a 2x4 white subway tile, it's timeless and affordable.

Hope that helps!

Beautiful Space! My choice would be backsplash. It would be a good combination with your granite countertop

Oh wow I LOVE the tile backsplash options - I love how bright and contrasting the white one is - and I could incorporate a narrow white island like the picture....I like! I also love the diamond shaped tiles too though - my granite has a lot of olive green flecks in it so that would match really well...where did this tile come from?
I think I will do a backsplash - a gynormous sisal rug or at least some runners, upper and lower lights for the cabinets, maybe even glass fronts on a few cabinet doors, paint the walls - oh my....I have three boys under the age of 5 now, so this could take some time...HA!

You're amazing! Good luck with your project :-) Send finished pictures

We import them from Turkey. You can get more information of this backsplashes at this link:
http://www.marblewarehouse.com/servlet/the-168/Mix-Travertine-%26-Marble/Detail

I would start with paint first, then re-assess. I think a lighter neutral colour will make a world of difference.

I agree with those who said don't paint your cabinets. It would require a professional to do a good job and they are actually very pretty. A bright tile backsplash, lighter paint on the walls (I love green) and a nice area rug with color would go a long way toward brightening up the space. I agree with you on under-cabinet lighting . Small changes may save you a lot of money and work. Lastly, I love the way that you started your comments with your gratitude for having such a nice kitchen. Too many of us take things for granted and can't appreciate how fortunate we are.

I too have a dark kitchen. I'm currently replacing light fixtures to get most light possible. Another thing that helped me was when I learned that all paint colors have a LRV number. That's light reflecting value. For example, sherwin Williams paints have the number printed on their paint cards. I had a color that I chose that I thought was a cozy yellow but turned out only to have an LRV of 40 and was sucking all the light out of the room. You know your cabinets are already doing that so paint your walls with a high LRV. Add brighter lighting and light floor rug of indoor outdoor style for cleaning periodically. Mine is brightly colored from Tuesday morning and is looped and looks hand hooked. These changes helped me. Good luck

You may have seen this article on here, but if not it may give you some ideas.

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26167/list/Come-On-Over-To-The-Dark-Side---Tips-On-Dark-Kitchen-Cabinetry-

A running theme....light counters.....

https://www.houzz.com/photos/dark-cabinets-phbr0lbl-bl~l_49611

A nice backsplash can add color, and character

We had solar tubes put in a bathroom and hallway when we remodeled. They are not nearly as expensive as a skylight and they don't leak. They just cut a small hole in the room. The amount of light they bring into a room is awesome.

We had a solar tube installed in our windowless kitchen and it brought in some light. But when we remodeled in 2010 we put in a full skylight. What an amazing difference...along with taking down a wall between the kitchen and the living area.

$100.00 change. just install under cabinet lights, take out fake flower.SIMLPLE AND QUICK CHANGE.. H Garcia New York BPI

Along with painting the walls lighter, adding a LARGE light-tone rug, undercabinet lights, remove plants from top of cabinets and add puck-lights, I have one more simple suggestion. Get an interesting (and white glass, or stainless steel) spotlight fixture over the sink in place of the can light. Even a triple pendant would look good -- not in a row -- in a circular pattern. It looks as though the can light is nearly centered over the sink. Having your work space well lit makes a world of difference.

I agree....a backsplash and under cabinet lightening will make you smile when you walk into your kitchen. :)

Anyone know of a great place to find subway tile samples online?

You might check this out....

http://www.tilestoreonline.com/Samples_s/72.htm?searching=Y&sort=7&cat=72&show=30&page=1&search=%20subway

You don't want to shop Subway Tiles online- why they come in different shades and different manufactrer and different materials. the result different SHADES. go to wholesaler and see and feel it yourself, note the stock,style,color numbers- this way you know what you getting. pay attention to edges if they are smooth and that they use fine cutter otherwise it will show the rough edges when you apply grout. H New York BPI

Install some LED-lighttubes under the cabinets (doesn't need to be expensive, you know those hoses people wrap around their windows for christmas?) and paint the walls a soft yellow (you mentioned yellow, right?). Maybe a light backsplash tile? Then see if it has the results you hoped for. A skylight is a great light-bringer too! And I guess the cost will be about the same as having the cabinets repainted.

Note: the person who chose the floortiles and the cabinets must have been colorblind..

Live this kitchen! Add awesome white or cream colored crown to match the rest of your trim. And paint the walls a lighter shade. Also LED lights add tons of light at low cost. Make sure you get bright white. Off white light colors don't give you as much lightness. A backsplash would also look fantastic! Especially in a creamy marbled color. You could keep the warmth and gain the light. And marble is reflective. Go with a subway style and it will always be in style. If you remove the flowers, it'll really show off the crown and accentuate your tall ceilings. And, all these jobs can be done by you! I did my own crown, backsplash and wall paint when I renovated my kitchen. If your hubby is handy, no doubt he'll step in and tell you/ show you how to do it "right" if you have any issues. And it might be a lot of fun! And you'll definitely have a sense of accomplishment when you are done.

paint the walls white!

When I look at the photos, if the kitchen was mine, I would probably leave the cabinets as they are, bring a lot of light into the kitchen, add a chandelier, repaint the wall all off white or cream, add just a back splash behind the cooker, and change all the kitchen accessories to a brighter colour. if you can get a kitchen Island, have it a different colour like a lime green or another colour. It is a shame that small wall is blocking the light from the window there. I wish you the best, curious to how it will look once you have finished.

I concur with most comments about updating walls/tile, lighting & flooring prior to doing anything about the cabinets. as well, skylights should be possible for about 1200-1500.00 , solar tubes usually about 1/2. They can be very effective. I've had clients put in two. Work well in interior halls too. If after lighting is addressed & wall colour you are still feeling too dark there, consider painting the upper cabinets only. use the richer tone existing as the foundation. If you choose a tile with creams/white/browns as seen above, it makes a nice bridge to a lighter painted upper cabinet. Glass inserts would be cool too. It is a little complicated & expensive to add glass shadow boxes across the top, but with lighting there, would be brighter too as well as decorative. Senior Designer~Urbana

I would paint it white it would really brighten the space and look like a brand new kitchen.

I would like to start painting the kitchen this week, but I am torn about the color - should I go with a yellow/white or a more modern grey/white. I will be doing a white subway tile backsplash and getting xenon cabinet lighting as well - but paint first. I have chips from Sherwin Williams SW7566 Westhinghand White or SW 7631 City Loft. The Westhinghand White has a much higher LRV 85 and the City Loft is LRV 70. SO with no natural light in my kitchen I was leaning more toward the yellow toned white - but I love the modern grey too....any thoughts?

Links to both colors
http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW7566-westhighland-white/

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW7631-city-loft/

I feel silly even thinking about this for so long - its just wall paint for crying out loud! There are bigger problems in life I know...like meteors...

Get a sample of both paints, paint foamcore boards with each, and prop them up for a day or two with the white subway tile and the xenon lights. Chances are good the very trendy gray will not look great with your brown floors.

Did you already get brighter light bulbs or change the main fixture?

Your cabinets and granite are lovely.I would suggest to tile the back splash and paint the walls in a lighter color or have a decorative paint finish applied that would bring the color of the room that the kitchen opens to but mixing a few other shades of the beige color to give the walls some texture and dimension. There is some beautiful glass subway tile that would enhance your granite and cabinets.
Take a look at my web site for more ideas. Good luck.
cherylmccrackeninteriors.com

You could very well be done by now, but if not, here are a couple of more ideas. One is more busy, one less busy, but still plenty of color. And yes add under cabinet lighting if you can. I absolutely love white cabinets, but with yours being so new and beautiful, I would hold off and see if you can achieve what you are looking for in advance of making the cabinets white. Painting cabinets is a lot of work..... http://www.wayfair.com/LR-Resources-Dazzle-Silken-Blue-English-Jacquards-Floral-Rug-LR54005-SIBLXX-QLR1085.html http://www.wayfair.com/EliteTile-Sierra-12-x-11-3-4-Piano-Glass-and-Stone-Mosaic-Wall-Tile-in-Tundra-XGHJUUQOUV-OVS1275.html http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Lush-Dune-3-x-6-Glass-Tile/7620004/product.html http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Handmade-Soho-Brown-New-Zealand-Wool-Rug-83-x-11/5804060/product.html And, I forgot to mention that yes, your idea of a larger area rug would be beautiful.

And here is your kitchen with either paint to go with the top row of rug/tile and then a pic painted to go with the second row. Interchangeable too, depending on taste.

I like the kitchen re-paint on the walls on the left best. Try a white with a hint of brown too. It would be great if you could take that half wall down, you'd have more light from the sliding door and you'd open up the room. If you think there's electrical in the wall, it's not too hard to move it. A supporting wall is a different story. Good luck with your project and post pix :-)

Of the two colors you've chosen, I like this color best:

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW7566-westhighland-white/

It's very pretty....I think all you need is a lighter stone back splash and some white crown moulding. It will be striking.

I've thought about a stone backsplash - but I really like the raw looking stone rather than the polished stone tiles - I love the texture and warmth they add to a room. Im just a scardypants to actually use it - but I will consider it again!

You can use your more rustic stone everywhere except above the range. Altough beautiful -- over time, smoke, oil, cooking buildup will happen and you'll be using a toothbrush to clean it. There are stainless steel backsplshes available in 24 to 36-inch widths. That would help reflect some light too.


Go to a tile store and pick out all the backsplash tiles you love. Buy a few of each (at least one) and take them home. Most places will let you return them. Then, go to a paint store with top 3 backsplashes; paint a 2' x 2' square of each of your paint choices. Pick the tile first-- then paint. Paint comes in all colors. Tile does not. Sometimes you'll be surprised that the yellow you love doesn't look so very good. Or, the other way around.


If you want to repost with the samples and ask for votes, you can. Maybe that will work for you. I wouldn't look at your kitchen as being dark. Shop Wayfair and Lighting Direct online. With so many light fixtures available, and relative ease to run wire, no room has to be dark. Your cabinets are beautiful and timeless.

The comment on the stone absorbing oils is untrue. Because you use a sealer after installation. I say go with it ! You'll be very Happy!

Lighter wall colour, glass, stainless steel or light tile back splash, and maybe consider glass inserts on some of the cupboard doors. If you choose to change out some doors, be sure to make them symmetrical (ie on either side of stove or sink), don't just pick random doors. If you were prepared to spend more money, you may consider lighter flooring.

I've not read everyone, but lots of great ideas. I would replace floor with light stone, I have travertine, 18x18, a natural look which is not terribly expensive. Glass tile backsplash would reflect light. Perhaps soft blues or soft greens. Paint walls the same soft color. No rug in the kitchen -- dangerous. Lighting above and below cabinetry. Definitely look at Solatubes, they add wonderful natural light in the day. Consider flush or semi flush lighting in place of cans. They add light all around, not just down. There's a simple converter kit at Home Depot to convert cans for different fixtures. What is the silver thing on the room divider? If it's one of those high faucets, I'd toss it first. Add some cheerful accessories to divider.

Under cabinet lights are needed! You can find them here: http://search.elitefixtures.com/search?view=grid&w=undercabinet+lights
Good luck!

We just launched a new line of ultra thin LED under cabinet lighting that would really help to upgrade your space as well. All of the lights have built in diffusers too so you won't get a glare on the tiles or countertops. And best of all, it's very user friendly to install so you might not even need an electrician's help if you wanted to install the lighting yourself.

It has interchangeable LED light bars and LED puck lights that you can choose from, in two colors of white (soft or neutral). Soft white is definitely preferred in kitchen lighting - and since they're dimmable too you can create a any atmosphere you want.

Complimentary design advice from our lighting specialists at (888) 880-1880 if you need any help!

http://www.environmentallights.com/led-under-cabinet-lighting/environmentallights-premium-modular-led-under-cabinet-lighting/led-under-cabinet-lights.html