Adding Light to Kitchen Design During Cabinet Refacing

by Allison Beatty
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

Light can have a profound affect on the feel of you kitchen design and on your overall mood. As you look for ways to spruce up your kitchen cabinets, consider cabinet refacing and other ways to help bring in more light.

Adding Light Through Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are an important functional and visual element in any kitchen. As you debate which door and drawer fronts to choose, think about the following design options:

• Light wood or veneer doors and drawer fronts. This will help open up the kitchen and make the room seem larger.
• Glass door panels. A few clear, opaque or stained glass door panels can bring in more light and enhance the kitchen design. Look for strategic places to add glass, such as the cabinets on each side of a window or sink. Also add glass doors on an island and use it for decorative storage.

Consider New Replacement Windows

Nothing brings in light like new replacement windows. Depending on your kitchen design, consider enlarging an existing window opening over the kitchen sink or adding new windows on the wall of a breakfast area. Many cabinet refacing companies also provide these types of services. Consider:

• Size and shapes that blend with the lines in your cabinets, your molding and other architectural details in your home.
• A bay window to help make a room seem bigger and bring in more light.

Try Decorate Wall Tile

Wall tile has come a long way in recent years, with glass, metal and stone tile dominating many of today's homes. If you're looking to lighten up your kitchen, try adding glass wall tile above the countertop. These tiles reflect light and add an interesting dimension to a kitchen. Among the options are:

• Clear glass
• Opaque glass
• Colored glass in shades of blue and green. These add a soothing, water-like feel to the kitchen design

There are many ways to lighten up a kitchen design. As you plan a cabinet refacing, ask your contractor for ideas that fit your kitchen design and budget.

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer. She has been a writer of home improvement columns for 15 years. Her articles have appeared in numerous national newspapers and magazines, and on home improvement web sites.