Before You Commit To A Kitchen Remodel, Try This One Change First

Kitchen remodels can be expensive, and if you're not ready to splurge but still want to improve the look and design of your family's favorite space, there's one often-overlooked update worth considering. Here's the light bulb moment you've been waiting for: Improve your kitchen lighting. With just a few subtle changes to the lighting, you can upgrade the look of your entire space and leave guests wondering why it feels so much brighter, fresher, and more upscale.

There's plenty of advice about how to make your kitchen look more expensive without breaking the bank, but this is one of our favorites because simple changes to your lighting fixtures and fittings can make your space instantly more modern. The added benefit is potentially discovering any electrical issues not dealt with by past owners of your home, which could save you money down the line.

The first step in refreshing your kitchen lighting is to consider what your current space needs and whether it's even worth investing in new wiring or electrical upgrades. For example, if your kitchen tends to feel a little dim, strategically placing a few stylish table lamps around can add warmth and character, creating a cozy, inviting aesthetic without needing a major renovation. However, if you're ready to give your kitchen a full lighting overhaul, there are plenty of easy, clever ways to do it, no interior designer necessary.

Kitchens are as unique as the people who use them, so it's essential to evaluate what kind of lighting upgrade your space truly needs. The best approach is to take into account your kitchen's existing layout, decor, and natural lighting before making lighting changes. In smaller kitchens or those with little natural light, skip oversized chandeliers or bulky lighting fixtures, as they can instantly make the room feel cramped and cluttered. Instead, opt for recessed lights. These sleek, minimalist fixtures not only help open up the room but also add a cleaner, more contemporary vibe to even the most outdated kitchen layouts.

On the flip side, if you have a larger kitchen, you have the luxury of incorporating multiple layers of lighting to enhance the look of your space. This design technique, known as layered lighting, allows you to mix and match lighting for function and aesthetics. Think a row of pendant lights over the kitchen island, possible low level and mid-level lighting under cabinets or inside them, and consider statement lighting like a chandelier on top of the dining table or a stylish lamp or two. If you currently have harsh fluorescent lighting, you need to change the types of bulbs you use.

The secret is to make lighting choices that align with your existing decor, as this helps your kitchen feel well-thought-out and intentionally styled. If you have a Victorian-style classic kitchen, you can go with an antique-style crystal chandelier, whereas if your kitchen has a coastal theme, rattan lighting fixtures are a good way to go. Lighting should feel like a natural extension of your kitchen's design, not just an afterthought. Once you make the right changes, you'll be amazed at how much more refined your space feels. But do read our warnings about kitchen lighting mistakes to avoid before you begin.