Small kitchens often face challenges such as limited cabinet space and inadequate lighting, which can create shadows and visually shrink the room. To address these issues, Joanna Gaines, cohost of "Fixer Upper," recommends a clever cabinet paint trick: using light colors for upper cabinets and darker shades for lower ones.
In a clip on HGTV, Gaines emphasizes the effectiveness of under-cabinet lighting, stating, "One of the things I really like to add to space, especially that's this small, is under-cabinet lighting. [...] What's great about these is they cast light down on your backsplash and your countertop." This approach not only enhances the airy feel of the space but also helps eliminate shadows, creating the illusion of a larger kitchen. The bright lighting improves safety during food preparation, particularly in areas with dark countertops and cabinetry.
Options for Under-Cabinet Lighting
Choosing the right under-cabinet lighting can be daunting due to the variety of options available. Whether you prefer battery-powered, plug-in, or hardwired lights, the selection often depends on your specific needs. Options include mounted or recessed lights, and you can opt for puck lights to highlight particular design features. However, puck lights provide focused illumination, which can be expanded with bar or strip lights for more even coverage.
For consistent, full lighting throughout the bottom of your upper cabinets, tape and rope lights are ideal. Tape lights feature tiny, embedded LEDs on a self-adhesive strip that sticks directly to the cabinets, typically plugged into an outlet. Some models can be controlled via remote or smartphone apps for adjusting brightness or color options. Rope lights function similarly but are housed in a larger plastic tubing and require clips for installation.
