How to Paint a Small Kitchen to Make it Look Larger
Paint is one of the easiest ways to give a room a makeover. A small kitchen is no exception and with limited remodeling options, a careful manipulation of color and its impact on lighting can visually expand a space. Here’s a few important tips to keep in mind when painting a smaller kitchen.
- Utilize Neutral Colors. White and neutral colors are a lifesaver for smaller kitchens. White will reflect light, make walls recede and increase the sense of space. Adding white to countertops, walls, cabinetry and ceiling will create a cohesive space with limited boundaries or edges. Use different shades of white or add different textures to create variety in a kitchen. Avoid washing out a space by adding different hue shifts in cabinets or crown molding for points of interest. It’ll also create contrast in your kitchen.
- Avoid Dark Cabinets. A darker cabinet will absorb light and make a space feel smaller or claustrophobic. Repainting these cabinets to a lighter color will make the kitchen feel like an entirely different space. Stained cabinets take a bit of preparation before painting them a lighter color but will transform their look. If your cabinets are in poor shape, consider refacing them with a lighter veneer and new, lighter doors and drawer fronts.
- Picking the Right Colors. Designers recommend adding a deeper, accent color on a wall to help it recede into the background, giving the illusion of a larger space. Use the same color for walls and trims to make ceilings appear higher. This trick can also be applied to your countertops and cabinets. You’ll want to pick a color that is in the same color family but not excessively different in contrast. An abrupt shift from light to dark will create a sharp contrast and visual boundaries, making the space feel smaller. Keep ceilings white to maximize the effects of natural daylight. It’ll also make the room feel more spacious.
Source: the Spruce