DIY update for the kitchen

8 years ago

Have been dying to change up the kitchen but have to keep the cost extremely low. I really want to have dark cabinets in here, however it is a north-facing kitchen, with minimal natural light, and is pretty small. We are unable to change up the granite, and its not too bad so would like to keep it. I don't know if grey would be a good choice, but definitely no white cabinets (toddler in the house!). What do you guys think? Will I be able to have my dark cabinets without the kitchen looking horrible??? Any ideas on brightening it up??

Featured Answer

ljsaeman

8 years ago

My kitchen is very similar in color and compact, by choice. Your colors are neutral and IMO lovely, so now you have the chance to add your favorite color in little pops. A pendant light over the island could bring more light in and add some personality. I think you might bring a little more color to the window treatment, and a style that softens the plain square shape. My first suggestion is to DECLUTTER. I have never been a fan of covering appliances with papers and "stuff." It appears that you don't have enough storage. Do you use each of the small appliances every day? You don't have to part with them, but perhaps a cabinet downstairs could house the ones you use infrequently, also extra holiday china and severing pieces etc. By organizing, you can free up space in your cabinets for items you need every day.

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Comments (7)

Mrs. S
8 years ago
you have lovely warm woods, complementary counters, and white appliances, which look great!. There is probably a way to make the cabinets darker, but that won’t “lighten” the room. Also, it may make the white appliances seem out of place. For a low cost fix up, maybe try some glass tile backsplash... Your room looks nice to me, anyway, as is.
Raul Perez
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hi Lauren,

I believe you might be able to have dark kitchen cabinets, if you paint the kitchen a very pale grey or blue- grey and change your light bulbs to a ''daylight'' color it'll brighten the space up .
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User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Leave well enough alone. You’d have to do 5-6K in electrical to add lighting if you went with dark cabinets. What you have is infinitely better in many many ways. It’s also right at the forefront of the next trends as well. Dark is DONE. Rightfully so.
CEFreeman_GW DC/MD Burbs 7b/8a
8 years ago
There are people here who are renovating TO your look!
If I were to make a change, I'd change your wall paint color. To me, it's very bland against lovely cabinets. Not too hip to all the white appliances nor sink, but can't think of an alternative that won't overwhelm the cabinets.

There is no such thing as making cabinets dark and brightening it up. Unless you make a new window and install flood lights, that is. LOL!

Did you just move in or something?
cpartist
8 years ago
Change the color of the walls to something brighter. A soft blue would be lovely or even a blue/green color. The cabinets are fine as is.
Lauren D
Original Author
8 years ago
To respond above: No we have been in there about 5yrs. This picture actually makes the kitchen colors look better, but in person everything is very yellow! We are finally at a point where we could spend some time changing things. We can probably declutter, but a lot is our drying rack area, followed by multiple small appliances that I use every day! At least I got our island cleared off permanently!! I also agree with changing the wall color. The lady who lived there previously was a heavy smoker and we had to repaint everything but couldn't choose separate colors for every room so the sand color went everywhere! I love the light blue and that is actually the plan (once I decide on the cabinets!).

Thanks everyone for the input!!