The Sleek Solution Jenny & Dave Marrs Use To Make A Kitchen With Dark Cabinets Pop

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It's true that dark cabinets can bring a refined and luxurious feel to your kitchen. The caveat, however, is that they can also make the space seem a little dull and dreary if not done right. Luckily, HGTV stars Dave and Jenny Marrs have found the perfect way to make dark kitchen cabinets pop with the simple use of lighting. During an episode of their hit home renovation show "Fixer to Fabulous," the Arkansas-based design duo transformed their client's kitchen with entirely black cabinets and walnut accents. "A mix of dark-painted cabinets and warm walnut give the space a modern yet inviting feel," they explained on Instagram after the big reveal. What gave it an even warmer feel, though, is the lights they decided to run underneath and on top of the cabinets, as well as beneath the island countertop.

In this instance, the Marrs seem to have opted for LED light strips — a popular choice among interior designers these days, thanks not only to their sleek, simple look, but also their functionality and energy efficiency. They're also incredibly customizable and can be fit to any length to work perfectly for a space. Fellow HGTV star Mike Holmes is also a fan of this type of under cabinet lighting, and even considers it to be one of the best ways to brighten up a dark kitchen. And the best part? They're usually super wallet-friendly, such as this 50-foot COB LED Light Strip, priced at only $40.

Of course, there are other types of under cabinet lighting that will have your home glowing. Another option is puck lights — small, round fixtures that produce a more focused beam of light, while also offering a slightly more traditional feel. These Wobane Dimmable LED Puck Lights even come with a dimmer remote, so you can adjust the brightness to your likings. In addition to choosing the right fixture for under your cabinets, it's also important to consider what color temperature you want them to be. If you're going for a cozy, inviting atmosphere, your best bet would be 3000K (warm white). Meanwhile, if a sleeker, modern aesthetic is what you're after, go for 4000K (cool white). 

Although lighting is the most important thing to consider when figuring out how to make a room sparkle — "I always call lights the 'jewelry' of a room," Jenny Marrs has said on Instagram — there are additional strategies they sometimes use to brighten up a dark kitchen, such as adding a colorful tiled backsplash, or opting for white marble countertops. You could also think about adding a mirror to one of the walls, a tried-and-true trick that makes any room feel bigger and brighter. In this client's kitchen renovation, The Marrs also incorporated some open shelving to create a lighter, airier feel. The results, which were displayed in full on their website, were absolutely stunning. Just remember to keep whatever you store on those open shelves neat and tidy, as they'll always be on display!