4 Ideas to Brighten Up Your Kitchen and Dining Room

Kitchens and dining rooms have a way of bringing people together. Whether your family is gathering to share a meal at the end of an ordinary day or you’re hosting a dinner party over the holiday season, these spaces are often the backdrop for some of life’s most beloved memories for folks young and old. Because of this, they deserve to be decorated in ways that make them look as wonderful as they make everyone feel. At Matter Brothers Furniture in Fort Myers, our trusted design team wants to help you make the most of your kitchen and dining room. Check out these 4 practical tips to help you do just that before stopping by one of our convenient showroom locations.

The Brighter, The Better

If ever there was a room in your home that should be as bright as possible, it’s your kitchen. Not only does proper lighting come in handy during everyday activities, such as preparing dinner, but it can make the room look and feel more spacious. The more room your kitchen has, the easier moving around it will be, especially when you’re entertaining. If your kitchen feels small or closed in, chances are that it’s time to update your light fixtures.

Check out these simple ways to upgrade the lighting in your kitchen to make it feel as big, bright, and inviting as possible:

• Use multiple light fixtures: If you’re relying on one overhead light source to illuminate your entire kitchen, you’re doing it all wrong. Instead, consider using a combination of lighting solutions, such as an ambient light source, under-the-counter lights, recessed lighting, and a mixture of hanging pendant lights. The result will feel well-balanced and warm.
• Replace outdated lights: Swapping out dull lighting with contemporary fixtures is a simple way to elevate the overall atmosphere of your kitchen. Be sure to choose options that are eye-catching to make a statement in the space while brightening it up.
• Prioritize natural light: Avoid dressing your windows in dark or heavy curtains. Instead, try leaving your kitchen windows bare to let in as much natural light as possible. Likewise, remove any furnishings that could be blocking the sun from spilling in.

Select the Right Color Scheme for Your Kitchen and Dining Room

The colors that you use to decorate your kitchen and dining room matter. If you’re looking for a paint color that is as timeless as it is contemporary, can easily be transitioned between seasons, and helps the room feel spacious, you can’t go wrong with a light-colored neutral. Crisp whites, subtle grays, and understated creams are both attractive and practical in kitchen and dining areas.

However, if you’re a color-lover that can’t imagine having an entirely neutral kitchen or dining room, don’t fret. There are ways to tastefully incorporate color and pattern without overwhelming the room. Keep these easy tips in mind to ensure your colorful kitchen or dining room looks like it was curated by a pro:

• Balance bold wall colors with neutral cabinets in the kitchen or furniture in the dining room.
• To provide a pop of color in the room, consider covering one accent wall in funky wallpaper.
• If the room is small, choose a muted or pastel color, such as green or yellow, to add much-need color without making the room feel even smaller.
• Bring in color through furniture, such as dining room chairs or a buffet table.

Keep It Fresh

If you’re trying to revamp your kitchen or dining room, remove excess clutter. When your dining room is filled with too much furniture or decorations, it’s bound to feel closed in and messy rather than chic and modern. To breathe new life into your dining room, be sure to get rid of anything that you don’t need, use regularly, or really love. Bringing in fewer furnishings that pack more of a punch in terms of style and functionality is much better than filling your dining room with furniture that is too big or impractical.

Once your kitchen or dining room is organized and decluttered, adding a potted plant or two can do wonders in providing color, texture, and warmth to the space. Be sure to choose a plant that will thrive in the environment of your home to keep it looking great all year long. If you love houseplants but have more of a black thumb than a green one, investing in some low-maintenance succulents or artificial plants freshens up your kitchen or dining room.

Don’t Forget to Accessorize Your Kitchen and Dining Room

Open plan kitchen and dining room in a retro style.

Rooms that are primarily used for necessary tasks, such as kitchens and bathrooms, can often be overlooked in terms of decorating. The truth is that accessorizing your kitchen is just as important as decorating your living room or bedroom. After all, most families spend a significant amount of time in their kitchens and dining rooms, cooking, eating, and spending time together. With this in mind, it’s important to make these spaces feel homey with stylish accessories, such as:

• Hanging a large mirror on the wall to maximize the available light
• Creating a gorgeous centerpiece with flowers, silverware, and napkins paired with a lovely metal tray
• Sticking a table lamp in a dark corner of your counter to brighten things up in an unexpected way
• Displaying family photographs in matching frames to create a gallery wall

Brighten Up Your Kitchen and Dining Room

If your kitchen or dining room needs an upgrade, Matter Brothers Furniture can help. We can make your kitchen and dining room look fresh while incorporating your personal touch. Visit us online or stop by one of our five showroom locations to see how simple and fun breathing new life into any room in your home can be. We can’t wait to help you find your perfect Fort Myers dining room furniture, kitchen accessories, and more!