The Kitchen: Avoiding The Dingy Look

Because the kitchen is typically flooded with bright light, many families overlook the fact that it is giving off a dark, dingy quality. Here are things you could be doing to give that room a cleaner look, simply through design.

Because the kitchen is typically flooded with bright light, many families overlook the fact that it is giving off a dark, dingy quality. Because of the lights, it stands in contrast to the other rooms in the house, but that contrast may not be as pronounced as you think it is. The place you prepare your food says a lot about who you are as a person. Because of thisand safety and health concernsthere is always a great deal of emphasis placed on keeping that area of the house spotlessly clean. But whether you do that or not, there are things you could be doing to give that room a cleaner look, simply through design.

Dont ignore the accents. Your kitchen is probably home to some towels, some placemats, some floor rugs, etc. Sometimes people make the mistake of choosing dark colors, thinking that they will hide stains and spots. While this is true, it does a lot to bring down the overall look of the room. People unconsciously associate dark colors with dirt. There is something to be said for getting rid of these cloth accents altogether, but anyone who cooks recognizes the need for a dishrag at the very least. Choose light colors to brighten up the surroundings.

Reflective surfaces are prized these days when it comes to kitchen appliances. But even if you dont like the look of stainless steel and other similar finishes, you can accomplish the same thing with mirrors and glossy framed pictures. Place them about the walls and you will notice immediately that it not only brightens the room but also gives the illusion of additional space.

Dont overlook lighting. While most kitchens are fairly bright as it is, this isnt always the case. If you have dingy, dim lighting, nothing you can do is going to make that room stand out and shine. Fluorescents are fine, but many people prefer other types of lighting. Just make sure you get lighting that is even and bright. You typically dont want this kind of lighting in other rooms of the house. No one wants to feel like they live in a department store. The kitchen is the right place for it, however.

If you are completely dissatisfied with the look of your kitchen, consult with some good, artful contractors in your area and see what suggestions they have. Working hand in hand with a knowledgeable expert in the field can help you transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The Kitchen: Avoiding The Dingy Look