Joanna Gaines Shares Her Method For Making A Small Kitchen Look And Feel More Spacious

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For many of us, the kitchen is the heart of the home. No matter how big the space actually is, you can make it feel bigger with the help of specific design details. In fact, HGTV's Joanna Gaines has some great tips and hacks for making rooms look bigger than they are, with the help of interesting design tips and tricks.

When it comes to making a small kitchen feel bigger, Joanna Gaines recommends under-cabinet lighting. In a clip from HGTV, Gaines shared that "one of the things I really like to add to space, especially that's this small, is under cabinet lighting. They're about $30 at any home improvement store. You ask your electrician to install them for you. What's great about these is that they cast a light down on your backsplash and countertop. So again, it gives your space the illusion that it's bigger than it really is."

Lighting in a room can help to create ambiance while also being functional. In a kitchen, having more light is a great way to make the space feel larger and more usable. Choosing under-cabinet lights helps to add a layered effect in the room. The light bounces off the countertops to illuminate the space. Of course, it helps if the countertops themselves are a lighter color, as this will help with giving the illusion of more space.

Although Joanna Gaines mentioned having an electrician install your under-cabinet lighting, there are also options that you can do yourself. It does require some research to make sure that you are choosing the proper lighting. LED lights, similar to DiDiSky Under Cabinet Lighting, are often the best choice for use under kitchen cabinets, as they provide consistent lighting that illuminates the space evenly. At the same time, LED lighting does not put out as much heat as other lighting sources, which is beneficial from a safety standpoint.

Options for your under-cabinet lighting include strip lights, light bars, and puck lights. Other factors to consider include whether you have access to plug in a light bar or if you need to go with a battery-powered option. If you're opting for light strips, you'll be able to choose from a variety of lengths and even customize them to your cabinet sizes. Puck lights also come in different options that allow you to blend them into your design.

Before selecting your lights, make sure you know where you're placing them and how visible they'll be. Make sure you're picking lights that can be hidden under your cabinets for a cleaner appearance. Alternatively, if that's not possible, try to find lights that complement the rest of your kitchen's aesthetic. Check the spacing of your lights before installation to make sure that your lighting is not unbalanced. Ultimately, it's all about choosing the right lighting for your kitchen and your specific needs.