Rebode Blog

How to bring natural light into your kitchen design

Anne Reagan
Anne Reagan

A sun-filled kitchen is uplifting, inviting, and makes everyday tasks easier. During your remodel, you can maximize natural light and transform your kitchen into the bright and welcoming space you’ve been dreaming of.

A well-lit, inviting kitchen not only looks lovely but also makes the entire home feel happier and more comfortable. As you begin working with your kitchen designer and designing your dream space, you can strategize ways to let the natural light pour in. 

Windows, skylights, and glass doors are always great options to bring in light directly from the outdoors, but you can also play with your kitchen design, cabinet styles, and even reflective surfaces and light finishes to ensure your space feels airy and full of life.

A kitchen with gray kitchen cabinets, a wood-toned island, and windows.
Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

Read on for more details on how to brighten your space with natural light. As you read, get inspired by our AI-powered Rebode Jumpstarter tool, which can help you identify kitchen lighting ideas that match your dream aesthetic after you answer a few questions about your style and functionality preferences. We’ll even connect you with a local kitchen designer who can help you kick off your renovation project!

Windows, skylights, and glass cabinets to capture the sunlight

You can harness the beauty of natural light by enlarging windows, adding skylights, and incorporating glass-front cabinets so sunlight can gently cascade through your kitchen. These elements create a soft glow that embraces a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

Cabinets that reflect and enhance light, along with open shelving, make the kitchen feel larger and airy as sunlight flows freely throughout. Every corner can bask in sunshine, turning daily cooking and gatherings into bright, joyful, and effortlessly uplifting moments. For an added touch, consider displaying light-colored dishes and decor inside your cabinets to let your kitchen radiate from within.

Open-concept kitchens to let light flow

As you and your designer begin to plan for your kitchen remodel, choosing an open layout is another great way to brighten your space with natural light. Without walls or doors that create separation, your kitchen is integrated into your living space, soaking in more sun from every angle. 

With an open-concept kitchen, thoughtful organization becomes your secret ingredient. Eliminating clutter with smart solutions like drawer organizers, roll trays, and appliance garages will allow your cabinets and countertops to shine and create an open, airy feel.

A kitchen with wood-toned cabinets and island and white walls.
Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

Colors and materials that amplify brightness

The colors, finishes, and materials you choose for your kitchen can do wonders to enhance the natural light already streaming into your space. Glossy kitchen countertops and backsplashes, such as engineered quartz, granite, or ceramic tile, reflect sunlight, amplifying brightness throughout the room. Stainless steel accents, like a sleek hutch, or strategically placed mirrors can create the same radiant effect.

Paints and finishes for cabinets, walls, and floors can further elevate your kitchen’s glow. A timeless white-on-white palette instantly illuminates the space, while light wood stains bring a warm, sunlit brilliance. For a bolder statement, vibrant greens, blues, or reds in high-gloss finishes will catch and play with the sunlight, making your kitchen shimmer and feel alive from morning to evening.

A kitchen with light blue lower kitchen cabinets, off-white upper cabinets, stone walls, and a dining table.
The walls, cabinets, and countertops of this kitchen shine in the natural light. Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

Bring your light-filled kitchen to life

No matter your style and functionality preferences for your kitchen, there are so many fun and beautiful ways to bring natural warmth and brightness into your space. Take the Rebode Jumpstarter questionnaire today to discover your kitchen style and find the design elements that will illuminate and energize your space.

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