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Emily A. Clark

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Working With: A Dark Kitchen

February 26, 2013 44 Comments

I won’t act like I was working with the world’s ugliest kitchen.  Because I wasn’t.  I liked the kitchen when we moved in and didn’t have any thoughts of painting the cabinets or ripping anything out.  I just wanted to find some inexpensive ways to make it a little less traditional and a little more me. 

 

kitchen before

 

I’ve shared most of these ideas in other posts, but here are some of the changes I made (and easy ideas if you’re looking to give your darker kitchen a quick update).

 

 

White walls.  The previous wall color was actually a really pretty green-gray, but didn’t flow with the other gray in the attached family room.  I also felt like it dictated all of my other color choices and made the cabinets a little more “golden” than I wanted.  The white paint opened up the whole space and gave me more of a blank slate for adding other accent colors.  (Paint color is Shoji White by Sherwin Williams.)

 

painting white walls in the kitchen

 

 

Removing cabinet doors.  I’ll admit I wasn’t 100% sure about this at first, but it was a pretty low-commitment move if I didn’t like it.  We only removed two doors and it instantly made the kitchen feel less “heavy” to me.  I inevitably get asked about whether or not my plates get dusty.  And, I guess they would if they were sitting there long enough.  But, I use our open shelves for the dishes we use most and have also found it’s really convenient when I’m unloading the dishwasher (which feels like 17 times a day).

 

open shelving in the kitchen by removing cabinet doors

 

 

Painting for contrast. Just because you aren’t painting your cabinets doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate other paint colors in small doses.  I used a dark charcoal (Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams) to add contrast to the back of the open shelves and on our pantry doors.  You might even think about painting your kitchen island (an idea I tossed around for a while), a breakfast table and chairs, or even a small footstool.  Think of small places where you can bring in a paint color that you’ve always wanted to try.

 

 

Accessorizing with color.  Fun accessories are an affordable way to give your kitchen new life.  It could be as big as colorful curtains or chairs, or as small as a new tray or kitchen towels.  Sometimes it really is the little things that can give us a better outlook on our homes.

  adding color in the kitchen  colorful accessories on kitchen countertops

 

 

 

Changing out the lighting.  This was more of an investment than the other changes, but one that I think was totally worth it. (And, I was a good girl and waited for it to go on sale.)  I think lighting is one of the best changes you can usually make to update a room.  I also added a glass lamp on our countertop that makes the kitchen feel cozier.

 

lantern pendant over the kitchen island

 

 

 

What small changes have you made to update your darker kitchen?


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Filed Under: kitchens, our home, Working With What You Have

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Andi says

    February 26, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    I rent a home and the kitchen is super dark with slate tiled floors, a greyish/purple on the walls and the same greyish color on the cabinets, and black appliances. I’ve really used color to my best advantage with bright pops of citrus. I also intend to paint my old tired table and chairs. I like the wood top of the table, but I’ll likely paint the base white and incorporate some of the same changes into the chairs. I have great natural light, so that really helps lighten things up, too.

    Reply
  2. Katie Neer says

    February 26, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    Emily – I absolutely LOVE this series. Who isn’t sometimes limited with budgets or even just not enough time to change EVERYTHING? Working with what we have and being content with it is often not the easiest thing. THanks for making me love my home more right now and think of how I can make it look great even now before “remodeling” everything.

    Reply
  3. Margaret Birch says

    February 26, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    I’m guilty of wanting to paint EVERYTHING with a fresh coat of white paint ;) Love the improvement!

    Reply
  4. Ann says

    February 26, 2013 at 3:33 pm

    So beautiful. What a great post. I love the little practical changes that we can all incorporate in our homes. Thank you.

    Reply
  5. Laura Doubek-Kraft says

    February 26, 2013 at 3:34 pm

    Small changes used to great effect! Your “before” kitchen was fine. Your “after” kitchen is truly inviting! Good ideas.

    Reply
  6. Carrie @ Cosy Carolina Interiors says

    February 26, 2013 at 3:51 pm

    Thanks for compiling all of the changes in one post; I think this is very inspiring!

    Reply
  7. {Hi Sugarplum!} says

    February 26, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    I love that pendant you added…and love your tall baseboards, too. I know that’s not what the post was about, but I dissect every image you post. :) Thanks for the Shoji White tip…looks like it’s cool with a slight grey undertone, yes? And the urbane bronze…on my color deck, it looks really brown…does it translate as such? I want to warm up my interior front doors (black is too harsh and cold), but want a deep charcoal, no browns.

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      February 26, 2013 at 6:44 pm

      Yes, I would say Shoji White has a gray undertone. Urbane Bronze (despite the name) always looks very charcoal to me. (It’s the same color we used on the pantry doors and to do the stripes in the foyer, too.) Shoji White and Urbane Bronze are actually at opposite ends of the same paint card.

      Reply
  8. Ashley @ The Houston House says

    February 26, 2013 at 5:09 pm

    It’s amazing what paint can do! You have done a great job of blending the traditional style with your modern touches. It’s such a great representation of your tastes… no pun intended. :)

    Reply
  9. Natalie says

    February 26, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    Love this series. My kitchen pin board is filled with pretty white kitchens while I cook in a kitchen with maple cabinets, black granite and an awful back splash. I love all the little changes you’ve done..especially the lighting!

    Reply
  10. Mellodee says

    February 26, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    Simple changes with a big impact, I’m sure. It’s hard to tell though, because you didn’t include an “After” photo from the same position as the “Before!” Wish you would…. please??!? :)

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      February 26, 2013 at 6:42 pm

      I’m never able to get a very good shot facing all of the windows but this post has a picture from that angle: http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-lantern-over-our-kitchen-island.html

      Reply
    • Mellodee says

      February 28, 2013 at 1:59 am

      Thanks! That helps. :)

      Reply
  11. Karli @kindredstyle.blogspot.com says

    February 26, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    Such a great post! We had a terrible, very dark kitchen, so I painted the cabinets white, got a white sink and white subway tile backsplash. I also got new light fixtures that accomodate 75 watt bulbs. Some corners are still a little dark, so I added some spot lights under the cabinets as task lighting. Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
  12. Melaine Thompson says

    February 26, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    I see my sign in there! Your kitchen is gorgeous Emily! Xoxo

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      February 26, 2013 at 6:42 pm

      Thanks, Melaine. The sign is one of my favorite purchases for the kitchen :)

      Reply
  13. Cozy Little House says

    February 26, 2013 at 7:01 pm

    I’m always piddling with the coffee bar in the kitchen. Your kitchen is beautiful and so tasteful.
    Brenda

    Reply
  14. Kathysue says

    February 26, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    Emily this post is such a good one for those that can’t commit for whatever the reason to painting their cupboards. You gave your kitchen a whole new vibe with painting the walls and making some open cupboards. Love all your choices, very smart!! Wonderful ideas that anyone can do,
    Kathysue

    Reply
  15. Carol Wright says

    February 26, 2013 at 8:07 pm

    I too have a dark kitchen. I think I’ll go with either white walls or a very pale yellow. I love the walls in your kitchen. My husband can’t embrace the idea of painting our cabinets white, but that’s really what I want to do. I can’t wait to see the rest of your home.

    Reply
  16. Annie Vincent says

    February 26, 2013 at 8:22 pm

    Love you are working with what you have! Great tips!

    Reply
  17. Jenny @ Simcoe Street says

    February 26, 2013 at 8:51 pm

    This kitchen is amazing! I love the artwork especially, and of course the light!

    We are just moving in to our first home, so time will tell how we adapt the kitchen to be more us. Exciting!

    Great ideas here, as always.

    Jenny
    http://simcoestreet.blogspot.ca/

    Reply
  18. Lisa says

    February 26, 2013 at 9:18 pm

    Great ideas here Emily. These little changes often are enough to give us a fresh outlook on our rooms and save us a ton of money in the long run.

    Reply
  19. jamie @ [kreyv] says

    February 26, 2013 at 9:35 pm

    It’s amazing how your changes have made such a difference, especially the wall color and lighting. Love it!

    Reply
  20. Houseofsept says

    February 26, 2013 at 10:16 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  21. Anna says

    February 26, 2013 at 11:13 pm

    Your kitchen is beautiful. I agree that small changes can have a huge impact.

    Reply
  22. Donna Thibodeau says

    February 27, 2013 at 1:03 am

    We are updating our oak kitchen that I refuse to paint. It is so hard to even find wood cabinets on-line to see countertop ideas. I’ve seen decorating come and go and I think there will be a time when natural wood will be “in” again. I’m already seeing bamboo blinds and other wood touches added to white interiors. We picked desert sand goldish counter tops and a biscotti tan granite sink. Next will be the tile choice but I think it will be tumbled stone and light like yours. We also added a table lamp on the counter and love the ambiance. I enjoy reading your blog for ideas. I think the wood cabinets are very pretty.

    Reply
  23. Megan says

    February 27, 2013 at 1:26 am

    You have totally made this kitchen yours and I’m sure inspired MANY with similar kitchens in their own homes. Adding the white paint and cheerful curtains make it so pretty!

    Reply
  24. [email protected] says

    February 27, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    These changes make such a great impact. Thanks for the ideas :)

    Reply
  25. [email protected] says

    February 27, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    I’m so glad you didn’t paint the cabinets because they are beautiful (and this is coming from someone who loves white kitchens). I love the changes you made. It’s so much more modern and young now.

    Reply
  26. Lauren TheEndearingHome says

    February 27, 2013 at 12:30 pm

    Beautiful kitchen, love the pops of color against wood cabinets. I have a dark kitchen and brightened it up by removing the blinds and valance and putting up some cafe curtains for a bit of privacy when needed. Love your blog and your decorating style!

    Lauren @ theendearinghome.com

    Reply
  27. Leanne says

    February 27, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    Emily,
    I love that you are doing this! Thanks for sharing your tips and how you have worked with what you have! Also, I just love your kitchen!

    Reply
  28. Nancy says

    February 27, 2013 at 2:03 pm

    I love your kitchen update. Im living with the dark kitchen and need some dynamite under me to make the change, or rather dynamite under my hubs to approve painting the cabinets. I need to remove doors first, and look see..thanks for the constant inspiration Emily! Youre the best.
    xo Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

    Reply
  29. Amanda says

    February 27, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    Its perfect and yes so “you”! I am soooo bummed you are going to Haven this year and I wont! :-( I went last year and had a blast!! oh well one day we will be able to “meet”

    Reply
  30. Sammy says

    February 27, 2013 at 2:26 pm

    I like that green door in the back!! I have recently painted my cabinets and got granite. I need new light fixtures and they have to wait. : – ((( I love your lights.

    Reply
  31. riv says

    February 27, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    I have been eyeing this pendanat for months but haven’t purchased yet as I’m paranoid about cleaning it (would go on the ceiling about stairs so would be super hard to clean)
    Is it a pain to upkeep?

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      February 28, 2013 at 3:40 am

      It’s not too bad. Of course, since ours is above the the stove, it gets a little dirtier than yours would. We just use vinegar water to wipe it off.

      Reply
  32. The Buzz Blog @ Diane James Home says

    February 27, 2013 at 6:35 pm

    We too had dark kitchen cabinets but ours dated from the 1960s – ugh! Knowing that we will redo the kitchen entirely sometime in the future, we painted all of the cabinets white (the oil paint has lasted with very few chips over 8 years – I didn’t say we were redoing our kitchen soon…) and changed out the hardware from brushed nickel. I love the idea of taking a few doors off – looks like we have a weekend project! Thanks for sharing all of your great ideas!

    Reply
  33. Laura says

    February 28, 2013 at 8:25 pm

    Does that lantern give off an adequate amount of light?

    Reply
  34. jmcd says

    March 3, 2013 at 8:21 pm

    I love the pendant above the cooktop, but I’m curious how it doesn’t get absolutely caked with grease. Maybe I’m a special case; I do a TON of stovetop cooking. Also, how do you deal with ventilation? Do you have a downdraft vent system? I’m about to begin remodeling my kitchen and I’m looking for creative solutions.

    Kudos for not painting the cabs white. I love a white kitchen, but they’re so ubiquitous right now that the variation is fun.

    Reply
  35. Jessica says

    March 14, 2013 at 9:54 pm

    LOVE the orange bar stools. Where did you find them?

    Reply
  36. Alicia says

    May 15, 2013 at 1:28 am

    Hi! Youve done a beautiful job with your semi-simple updates! Your kitchen is a lot like mine with the darker cabinets and black granite. I’m considering painting my kitchen door which goes out to our breezeway…I really like your green door. Do you mind providing me with the color? Thank s so much!

    Reply
  37. Alicia says

    May 15, 2013 at 1:29 am

    Hi! Youve done a beautiful job with your semi-simple updates! Your kitchen is a lot like mine with the darker cabinets and black granite. I’m considering painting my kitchen door which goes out to our breezeway…I really like your green door. Do you mind providing me with the color? Thank s so much!

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      May 15, 2013 at 11:21 am

      Sure–here you go:

      http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com/2012/09/our-yellow-door-goes-green.html

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. About those Cabinets… | Tickled in NYC says:
    November 18, 2014 at 10:54 am

    […] all means, take them off! My trouble is, where do I put them when they are off? Under the bed? As Emily points out, it’s a low risk update. If you don’t like it – just put them right […]

    Reply

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