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Our open kitchen and family room is all dark wood. Wooden cabinets, floors and furniture. We can’t afford to replace our furniture, how can I ‘lighten’ it all up?


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  • Yep, add accessories that are full of colour. Mats, cushions, rugs, pictures etc


  • Add some styling with lots of colour if you want it to pop or white tones if you want more subtle additions


  • I’d speak to a carpenter and get his/her opinion on what products are available for you to use.


  • By adding some bling with colour. Add cushions, throw rugs, floor coverings, hang some pictures. Timber is lovely, don’t destroy it :/


  • Like the other answers, I’d paint some items. I love the distressed look but that’s personal choice.


  • I would paint. Get good advice as to best products to use for best results. Wooden cupboards would need to be cleaned really well and then primed. But they would look amazing painted white. Would update your whole kitchen for minimal cost. If handles are wood, consider changing them to stainless steel. Look around as they can be expensive, but there are always cheaper options. Have fun redecorating your home.


  • I’d paint the walls if you can. Buy a chap throw rug and cushions for the couch. Keep your eye out for canvas’ from Kmart or other cheaper shops to brighten things up.


  • I would repaint the walls a light colour so it takes the darkness away from the floors and furniture and also look at maybe so paint work or photos on the walls so your eyes are drawn to them instead.


  • If you’re really game you could paint your kitchen cupboards white & change handles to something modern. My husband painted his mums kitchen cupboards & they look great. Our lounge room has poor natural lighting & jarrah floor.We’ve lightened up our lounge by painting our walls & skirtings in white & chose neutral colours for the floor rug & soft furnishings. I also got rid of our curtains & put in white wooden blinds. I also got a feature oil canvas in neutral colours on the wall.


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