We Answer Wednesday - Lightening up a dark wood kitchen

"We renovated our kitchen about 10 years ago.  We chose a dark espresso stain cabinet.  Even though we have decent natural light, we feel the kitchen looks a bit on the dark side.  How can we lighten up the kitchen without replacing the cabinetry doors?"

The lighter and brighter kitchens are definitely trending right now but the espresso look is still a choice that people are drawn too, not everyone likes the airy feel of a white kitchen.  But if you want to lighten up your darker kitchen there are some easy and simple changes you can make (or hire someone to install for you) that won't break the bank!

Try adding a backplash tile that is light in colour and even explore the idea of a glossy finish (this will allow light to bounce off of the tile and into the room).  even a glass tile can do wonders - it's like adding jewelry to an outfit....Another tip, try installing (or have a professional) install some under valance lighting - this will add more light to your kitchen.



Photo from DecorPad

 Try replacing your counter top with a stone counter top in a light tone.  This is also a popular trend for 2017.  With a lighter counter top the whole kitchen will look lighter, think of all of the surface space in a fresh and lighter tone....


 Photo from DecorPad

 Try brightening up your kitchen with some lighter paint - you will be amazed at the low cost and the big difference it can make.


Photo from HGTV

 Consider a partial kitchen update...yes this is more expensive but it might be worth it if you feel your kitchen is just too dark.  this might also be a good idea down the line if you are looking to make updates for resale...replace or paint your upper cabinets in a lighter paint.  some call this a two tone kitchen other call this a Tuxedo kitchen and we will be seeing more of this look in the coming years.  this can really open up and brighten up the look in your kitchen.

 
 Photo from Bright Green Door

Other tricks....
- take a look at the wattage of your light bulbs and go brighter!
- burnt out light bulb? be sure to replace them!
- do you have pendant lighting? Maybe swap out our pendants for something with a glass or chrome finish to allow more light in the room
- if you have dark stools, swap them out for a lighter colour or even a chrome
- opt for appliances with a reflective surface
- can you add more pot lighting to your kitchen?
- lighten up that floor, whether it is wood or tile a lighter tone will make a big difference
 

 

We Answer Wednesday - Hardwood in the kitchen

"We are doing some work to our kitchen, and one thing I keep seeing in magazines is hardwood floors in the kitchen. I love the look & want to incorporate it into my own home, is this a good idea?"

Choosing hardwood floors in the kitchen is a great option. There are definitely some cons, but there are many pluses as well. It’s a look that is very on trend right now. Hardwood flooring in the kitchen is especially great for an open concept home because there is no transition between the flooring, the seamless look is continuous. ‎

There are certain types of wood species that really thrive in a kitchen setting, and there are others that are less ideal. Exotic woods such as teak and rosewood are not great options as they are a softer species and dent easier. You want a 'harder' wood, if this is the route you're going in your home. 

Our recommendations would be to choose hardwood species offering a tighter grain. Oak (see the image above)  for example features a prominent grain pattern that hides dirt and dents better than woods with subtle grains. Try to stay away from pine and birch and light colored flooring because the kitchen is such a high traffic area. These lighter tones will not hide dirt, scuffs and scratches as well as other species.

 

The most ideal type of woods to use in your kitchen are reclaimed wood (see the image above) , or a distressed finish, or hand scraped hardwood.

Distressed and hand scraped will ease the mind of someone who is very particular about any scuffs. Lets be realistic, at some point, something is going to get dropped on your floors, especially in the kitchen. With These type of finishing‎, any dents or damage will look planned, or if nothing else, add some extra character. Hand scraped is a beautiful look even in a modern/contemporary home. It does sound rustic, but it can be very subtle to the touch.

 

In terms of finish, I wouldn't recommend a glossy look.The shine is going to be much more obvious if it is dirty and scuffed and over time, it will begin to look worn and tired. Finishes come in a range of sheens from low-shine satin to high-gloss. Satin sheen is the best option because it will hide food bits and dust best. ‎

 

Moisture is always a concern when you use hardwood in the kitchen. If possible, use a mat or rug in front of areas that often get wet, and be sure to wipe all spills as soon as possible. Be mindful when adding hardwood to your kitchen that it does require a regular maintenance routine. Follow the flooring manufacturer's cleaning guidelines.

Picture Perfect Kitchens and Bathrooms

So kitchens and bathrooms are always the hot spots when selling a home and even while we are living in our home those rooms are high traffic areas, so you definitely want them to look their best.  So how can this be done? Where does one find find their inspiration for these rooms?


Anything you love can be inspiration for colour … a piece of artwork, a flower, a picture. If you want to feel a certain way in a room, think of other things that make you feel that way, and then think about what they look like in your mind. A luxury hotel? A spa? A hip restaurant? The beach?

Next, look around the room. Is there a colour you can pull from your back splash tile or counter top? Are there accessories in the room that you love? 

Finally, look to the adjacent rooms. The colours in each room should flow together and work nicely side-by-side.


If you’re still stuck, flip through magazines or look at pictures online. There are lots of amazing photos of kitchens and bathrooms out there to inspire you.



Tip: Do not choose your paint colour in the store. Because the lighting in the store is different than the lighting in your home colours will look different in each location. Bring the swatches home and hold them up vertically against the wall to get the truest sense of what the colour will look like. Better yet, buy a small sample and paint some test swatches.