15 Tips And Tricks Joanna Gaines Uses To Brighten Up A Dark Kitchen

A dark kitchen can make even the most beautiful home feel gloomy. It might be a lack of windows, wooden ceiling beams, or overhead lighting that casts the worst fluorescent hue, but whatever the reason, a dark kitchen can impact more than just aesthetics. It can affect how you feel in the space, too. Since the kitchen is where so much life happens, you should be happy when walking into it. And it doesn't take a full-blown renovation to make that happen. Take a page from expert Joanna Gaines' book of design tricks, and you can flip the script on your moody kitchen and turn it into a brighter, more welcoming space.

Gaines has successfully mastered the art of turning dark or outdated kitchens into fresh spaces full of warmth and character. She doesn't just rely on paint color; she considers lighting, layout, materials, and mood. Whether it's using linen curtains to soften a window, vintage rugs to warm up the floor, or white subway tile to reflect light, her approach proves that a brighter kitchen doesn't mean a costly gut job. Sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest difference. A simple lamp in a corner casts a cozy glow. A flower bouquet near the sink can lift the whole mood. Adding vintage kitchen accessories says you don't take yourself too seriously. Armed with super clever and imaginative design tips from Gaines, you can change the atmosphere of your dark kitchen without breaking the bank.

Gaines is a big fan of open shelving, and it's easy to see why. When you swap bulky upper cabinets for some open shelves, you're giving light the circulation it needs, making a dark, moody kitchen feel instantly more breathable. Plus, they present the perfect opportunity for you to show off your fancy china or crystal. Just make sure you keep your shelves neat and tidy; otherwise, they can quickly become chaotic.

A well-placed mirror is a Gaines-approved design tool and a super functional way to brighten up really dark kitchens. Mirrors not only make a small space look bigger, but they also help reflect light to add instant brightness to the space. Whether it's a vintage frame, a sleek modern style, or even a mirrored backsplash, it adds a touch of oomph while pulling double duty as a design feature and a light booster.

Don't underestimate the power of flowers — whether real or faux. Just a small bunch on the counter or by the sink adds color, life, and a little cheer without a major makeover. Even a single stem in a tiny vase can make the space feel warmer and more inviting. They naturally draw the eye and help break up shadows, especially when paired with soft lighting. It's a simple, feel-good way to brighten up a space, according to Gaines.

Light-colored marble countertops can make a dark kitchen instantly pop, especially when cabinets are a darker hue. Their light, reflective surface, especially in white, cream, or soft gray shades, helps move light around and visually opens up the space. The natural veining it brings adds texture without taking over, making it feel like a grown-up kitchen. Whether you opt for polished or honed, marble brings a timeless, fresh look that lifts the vibe of the kitchen.

Negative space is one of the most underrated tools when it comes to brightening up a dark kitchen. It's not just about what you add to a room, but what you leave out. An intentionally bare wall can create a visual pause, making a kitchen look and feel more open and less cluttered. Simple design choices like spacing out decor or keeping countertops clear can make the room feel instantly bigger.

Subway tiles are the kitchen backsplash material Gaines is obsessed with — and they're perfect for brightening up a dark kitchen. The glossy surface reflects light, making the whole space feel cleaner and more open. Whether you stick with classic white or go for a soft neutral, the simple pattern adds texture without feeling overly busy. It pairs well with just about any style — modern, farmhouse, or vintage — and gives your backsplash a fresh, timeless vibe that looks as if it's bouncing light around the room.

Linen window treatments are a soft, subtle way to let light into a dark kitchen without sacrificing privacy. It has a natural weave that filters sunlight, casting a warm, diffused glow that instantly brightens the room. Light, neutral linen hues keep the space feeling airy, adding just the right amount of texture without feeling too heavy. They're an easy upgrade that makes a kitchen feel softer, fresher, and, dare we say, instantly charming.

A small lamp can make a big difference in a dark kitchen. Tucking it away on a counter, open shelf, or even a windowsill instantly adds warmth and a cozy glow, especially in nooks and crannies that your overhead lighting can't reach. It can help soften shadows, highlight your favorite decor, and give the room a more cozy, inviting feel. Add a smart light bulb you can schedule to turn on at the same time every day or change the bulb's color with the season.

When Gaines took on the remodel of Hotel 1928, she incorporated vintage area rugs to bring dark spaces back to life. The worn-in pattern and muted colors add instant character, while the soft texture helps balance cold tile or hardwood floors. It can brighten the space visually, especially if you go for a lighter or more colorful design. Plus, vintage rugs add that cozy, lived-in feel that makes a kitchen look more inviting and less stark.

When you want to completely revamp your kitchen, a fresh coat of paint could be in your future. Light, neutral shades, like soft whites, creamy beiges, or cool grays, can make your kitchen feel bigger, cleaner, and way more open. A lighter hue can be helpful when your kitchen doesn't have much natural light filtering in, or if your space feels cold and clinical, opt for a warm, nature-inspired hue like olive green, one of Gaines' favorite paint shades for kitchen cabinets.

On her Magnolia blog, Gaines advises that "Brightness is a state of mind just as much as a physical attribute." That's where adding playfully unexpected vintage kitchen elements to your space can elevate the whole vibe. Think vintage salt and pepper shakers, a colorful retro clock, hand-painted knobs, or even a decades-old kitchen item that's making an adorable comeback. It's about embracing your personality and letting it shine — no matter how much natural light you're working with.

Sometimes, changing a kitchen light fixture's light bulb is all it takes to transform your space. Gaines suggests that light bulbs giving off a more intense light work well for overhead fixtures in the kitchen. Swapping out old, dim bulbs for brighter, energy-efficient LEDs can make a huge difference, especially if you choose bulbs with a warm white or daylight tone. This is a small, affordable upgrade that often gets overlooked, but better lighting can completely change the mood of your kitchen.

Whether it's a potted herb on the windowsill, a trailing vine on an open shelf, or a small plant on the counter, a touch of green brings freshness and life to your kitchen. Gaines frequently styles kitchen interiors with houseplants, knowing their ability to naturally brighten up dull corners and add color without overwhelming a room. If you don't have a green thumb, opt for faux greenery to make life easier. This is a simple, low-cost way to add energy and warmth to even the gloomiest kitchen.

Gaines relies on pretty chandeliers to bring a feminine touch to dark tones and rustic vibes. Chandeliers draw the eye upward, add a focal point, and instantly bring in more light and a newer, fresher style. Regardless of the style you choose, a pretty chandelier can make a dramatic difference and unexpectedly elevate your moody kitchen into a brighter space.

Whether it's a handmade tablecloth, light-colored curtains, a patterned runner, or even soft linen dish towels, textiles are a subtle but impactful element that can brighten up a dark kitchen. Think fabrics in airy neutrals or cheerful tones that can reflect more light and lift the mood. Even a simple fabric-covered seat cushion or a lightweight valance over the window can make the space feel cozier and more inviting.