Kitchen With Natural Light: 5 Top Ideas

Many homeowners crave a kitchen with natural light but are not sure how to go about achieving this effect without a major refurbishment. In this article we look at all your options, from a simple choice of a new fresh paint colour, to choosing surfaces that are reflective and finally to how you might refurbish your kitchen to maximise the natural light it enjoys. Read on to learn more.

Enhancing a Kitchen with Natural Light – Remodel Designs

a kitchen with natural light painted in cream décor — A kitchen with natural light can be an uplifting space in which to spend time

Photo credit – Smart Renovations

Want a bigger, brighter and more inviting kitchen?

Kitchen design ideas with natural light are one of the most powerful design tools in any home remodel. The right placement and size of windows and skylights can change a dark and cramped cooking space into a light and airy room that your whole family wants to spend time in.

Here’s the thing…

Most homeowners completely overlook natural lighting when it comes to planning their kitchen renovation. They think about cabinets, countertops and appliances but lighting is an afterthought until the very end of the process.

Big mistake.

Natural light can:

Double the size of your kitchen
Cut down on your energy bills
Increase the value of your home
Boost your mood and productivity

And the best part?

There are simple steps you can take to bring more of it into your home.

Why Natural Light Matters in Kitchen Design
The Best Ways to Maximise Natural Light
Window Options for Your Kitchen Remodel
Smart Design Tricks That Work
Common Mistakes to Avoid

Why Natural Light Matters in Kitchen Design

Natural lighting does more than just brighten a room. It completely changes the feel of a space.

Think about it…

A kitchen that floods the room with sunlight and warmth feels inviting. A dark kitchen feels closed off and claustrophobic. Working with an expert kitchen remodeler from the start of your home remodel ensures that natural light becomes a design priority from day one.

According to NKBA’s design report, 67% of designers believe that large windows will continue to be a popular trend in home design for bringing in natural light. We don’t see that trend slowing down anytime soon either.

But why is a kitchen with natural light so important in the home?

It’s better for your health. Sunlight exposure helps regulate your sleep cycles and also helps your body produce vitamin D. You spend a lot of time in your kitchen. Shouldn’t it work for your wellbeing?
It helps your wallet. Less artificial light needed during the day equals lower electricity bills. Easy.
It adds value to your home. Properties with poor lighting can lease for 20% less than similar properties with good natural lighting. That is a big difference when it comes time to sell.

The Best Ways to Maximise Natural Light

Want to know the simplest and most effective way to have a kitchen with natural light, and flood this space with sunshine?

Ready to learn how to maximise natural light in your kitchen?

Read on…

Here are the 5 most effective strategies to bring light into your space…

a kitchen with new larger windows and a glass door — Consider adding a glass door and a larger window to ensure you have a kitchen with natural light

Photo credit – Clay Banks

Upgrade Your Windows

It’s the obvious answer. But it’s also the most impactful.

Replacing small windows with larger panes or adding windows where there previously were none can transform your kitchen. Sometimes even a single well-placed window can make all the difference.

What to think about:

Picture windows offer unobstructed views and bring in the most natural light
Casement windows open all the way for ventilation and light
Garden windows project out from the wall and capture sunlight from multiple angles
Transom windows sit above a door or other window and add additional light

Goal? Get as much glass as possible without compromising your energy efficiency.

Add Skylights or Sun Tunnels

Don’t have wall space for windows?

Look up.

Skylights are a huge benefit for kitchens that don’t have exterior walls on one or more sides. Directly installed in the ceiling, skylights pour natural light down into your space. Sun tunnels have the same benefit but are more affordable and easier to install.

Either option works great for galley kitchens or kitchens that are surrounded by other rooms.

Open Up Your Floor Plan

Kitchens with walls block natural light. Simple as that. Open up the walls to have a kitchen with natural light.

Removing a wall or two between your kitchen and other rooms in the house allows natural light to flow more freely throughout your home. An open concept floor plan means windows in your living room or dining room also help light your kitchen.

This is one of the bigger renovation decisions. But it’s also one of the most effective natural lighting strategies for your home remodel.

Smart Design Tricks That Work

You can’t always add new windows.

Budget constraints or structural limitations may get in the way.

No worries.

There are some sneaky design tricks that make the most out of whatever light you have…

Choose Light-Coloured Surfaces

Dark cabinets suck the light right out of a kitchen. Lighter cabinets reflect light and brighten your space.

White or cream cabinets send light bouncing all over your kitchen. Same with countertops and backsplashes. Glossy finishes are even better because they create extra reflections.

Use Reflective Materials

Mirrors aren’t just for bathrooms.

A mirrored backsplash can double the natural light in a kitchen. Glass cabinet doors work in the same way. Stainless steel appliances also help reflect light.

large open space kitchen filled with natural light — Use reflective surfaces and open up the space to ensure you optimise the effect of your kitchen with natural light

Photo credit – Cesar Cid

Keep Your Windows Unobstructed

This may sound like a no-brainer. But you’d be surprised how many people block their windows.

Heavy curtains, bulky blinds and furniture placement all reduce the amount of natural light. Keep window treatments minimal and easy to draw. Sheer curtains or top down blinds let in light while still providing privacy.

Paint Your Walls White or Light Colours

Wall colour matters more than you might think.

Light walls double as mirrors for natural light. They bounce sunbeams all around the room and make it feel brighter. Dark walls have the opposite effect.

If you want a bright kitchen, stick to whites, creams and light greys.

Window Options for Your Kitchen Remodel

Not all windows are created equal.

Double-hung windows are classic and versatile. Sliding windows work well over kitchen sinks. Bay or bow windows project outward from the wall and flood your kitchen with light from many angles. Clerestory windows sit high on the wall near the ceiling and provide lots of light without sacrificing cabinet space.

The best choice depends on the layout of your kitchen and what you want to achieve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not all natural lighting strategies are created equal.

Here are some common mistakes that can ruin your kitchen remodel…

Neglecting window placement. A north-facing window provides different light than a south-facing one. Work with your designer to understand how the position of windows impacts your specific space.
Overlooking glare. Direct sunlight can create glare on screens and work surfaces. It’s about finding the right balance.
Skimping on energy-efficient glass. Large windows can add to heating and cooling costs. Invest in double or triple-pane glass with low-E coatings.
Privacy. Don’t forget privacy needs if you have a ground-floor kitchen. Consider frosted glass or strategic window placement.

Double layering of windows above each other for more light — Why not add two levels of windows to ensure you have a kitchen with natural light, and a great view

Photo credit – Mary Ann Wooten

Bringing It All Together

Natural lighting in your kitchen remodel isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about making your home a healthier and more enjoyable space for your family.

The strategies are simple: