How to Increase Natural Light in your Kitchen
/Disclosure: AD, this is a sponsored post, however all opinions are 100% my own.
Do you love spending time in your kitchen? For us it’s where everyone ends up together. Whether you’re cooking with friends, handing out endless snacks or just chatting over a cup of tea. Modern living leans towards having a great meeting place kitchen.
With this in mind you want to make this the real heart of the home. Somewhere bright, inviting and airy in summer and warm and cosy in winter.
So how do you make the space feel brighter, more open, and still in keeping with your home’s character? Here are some tips to help you maximise natural light in your kitchen.
Credit: Unsplash.
Clean and tidy
Strange as it may seem, having some extra storage for all the bits and pieces family members leave all over the work surfaces makes your room look less cluttered. Try and clean windows regularly and remove obstructions in front of light sources such as big armchairs in front of windows. If you can, remove any blinds, curtains, or other window coverings that may be blocking the light.
Neutral paint
Opt for pale coloured paint on the walls, ceiling, and cabinets. These reflect light, making the space appear brighter. Consider using white, cream, or pastel colours. These also tend to stand the test of time rather than going with the latest trends.
Rooflights
Have you ever been a friend’s house and the light just floods the room as you walk in. It has quite an impact. This is often achieved by adding skylights or rooflights such as a tuffx roof window. This has to be installed by a professional but if possible think about adding skylights or additional windows in your kitchen. These will allow more natural light to enter from above or from the sides. Speak to the manufacturer to determine the best placement and size for optimal lighting. These look great over a main zone in the room such as over a table or kitchen island.
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Reflections
If you are buying new kitchen cabinets consider incorporating reflective surfaces into your design. There are so many options now from glass-fronted cabinets, mirrored backsplashes, or stainless steel appliances. These surfaces will help bounce light around the room.
You can also use polished granite, quartz, or light-colored tiles which help keep the light in the space and disperse it around the room, creating a brighter atmosphere.
Credit: Unsplash.
Top heavy storage
When having the option to redesign a kitchen, remove upper cabinets. If you really need the space then having open shelves is another great trick. This will open up the upper part of the walls and allow light to flow more freely. Alternatively, choose cabinets with glass fronts to maintain storage while still letting light pass through.
Dressing the room
Using something as simple as mirrors in strategic spots makes all the difference. Hang mirrors on walls opposite windows or near rooflights to reflect natural light back into the kitchen. Mirrors can create an illusion of a larger space, enhance the brightness and bring the outside in.
Kitchen garden
Though having your outdoor space visible is wonderful, be sure to trim outdoor vegetation and keep it in order. If there are trees or bushes outside your kitchen window blocking natural light, trim them back to allow more sunlight to enter. Consider planting low-growing shrubs or flowers that won't obstruct the suns rays. Having a clear path from the kitchen doors through the garden into the distance also gives the illusion of depth.
Although you may want to work on all of these areas, remember that every kitchen is unique, and some options may not be feasible in certain rooms. If you are going to carry out some building work be sure to speak with a professional interior designer or architect who can provide personalised advice based on your kitchen's layout and your specific needs.
We all spend so much of our lives in our kitchens it’s important to make this room your own and somewhere you love. This is a space associated with nourishment of both our taste buds and our minds. Which is why people enjoy the process of cooking and sharing food with loved ones as it creates a sense of joy and fulfillment.
Feeling at ease in your kitchen and basking in the natural light even on the dullest of days will cheer the soul. This is more than just a functional space. It’s there to encourage creativity, share stories, recipes and create memories.
