In most homes, the kitchen is the busiest place – this is where the family begins the day at the breakfast table, shares an afternoon snack after school, and shares the experiences of the day at the dinner table. Mom may share an afternoon cup of teas with neighbors in the kitchen, Dad may work late into the night on tax preparation, someone is usually always in and out of the kitchen. In many homes, the kitchen is the focal point of the house, the gathering place, the homework place, and Mom’s office space. Since the kitchen is one of the rooms in your home that receives the highest amount of traffic, you will want it to be bright and inviting. Here are some tips to help you make your kitchen one the bright spots in your house.   

Lighting – this is one of the essential areas when brightening any room. Many times, you will find that a kitchen has only one light – centered in the ceiling. Corners and the space between the countertops and cabinets are often dark and unwelcoming. Replacing the single light bulb with track lighting can help to brighten those corners. Track lighting allows you to position the light so that it lights up different areas of the room. Track lighting is a strip of lights that allow you to position each individual light. Another great way is to purchase battery-run lights that you can stick to the wall. This will allow you to place lights strategically around the room to brighten those dark spaces. 

Paint – Paint your walls in a light color – bright white paint will match any décor and will help brighten the room. 

Choose a theme – such as Italian, Mexican, or early Americana. Choosing a theme before you begin decorating your kitchen will allow you to match the furniture and décor with the theme you have chosen. 

Windows – dress your windows in light-colored curtains. This will allow the natural light from the sun to brighten your kitchen and give the sense of more space. Keep the curtains drawn open so that the natural light is allowed as much entrance into the room as possible. 

Bright flowers – use bright flowers that will work with your theme. Bright reds, blues, and yellows bring lots of brightness to any room. 

Décor – decorate your kitchen with your theme in mind. Use matching potholders and towels with bright pictures that go along with your theme. Little splashes of color throughout the room will give a sense of a warm, welcoming haven. 

Furniture – Choose furniture that is inviting, rather than formal furniture that people are afraid to use. If you have an empty corner, place a bright beanbag chair there – this gives your children a place of their own to sit and enjoy a conversation with Mom as she works in the kitchen. 

Use nature’s gifts – bring color into your kitchen using nature’s own bright colors. Place a bowl of brightly colored fruits on the countertop – apples, oranges, and lemons make beautiful contrasts. Use jars of oils and dressings that come in different shapes to brighten the corners of your countertops. Pastas, which come in many colors or can be colored are a great way to splash a little color around. 

Flooring – If you use linoleum flooring for your kitchen, be sure to use a light color with a welcoming pattern. If you use hardwood flooring, use a light color of wood so that the corners and underneath the table seems brighter.