7 Easy Staging Tips to Make Your Kitchen Look Bigger and Brighter

When I walk into a kitchen, one of the first things I notice is how it feels. Is it open and inviting, or does it feel cramped and dark? A kitchen’s size and brightness aren’t just about the square footage or window count—they’re about the way the space is presented. The good news is that with some thoughtful staging, you can make almost any kitchen feel bigger and brighter, no renovation required.

1. Declutter for Maximum Space

The easiest and most effective way to make a kitchen feel bigger is by decluttering. It’s amazing how much larger a room can seem when it’s free of unnecessary items.

• Start with countertops: Remove everything except for one or two decorative or functional items. I always recommend leaving out something simple, like a cutting board or a sleek coffee maker.
• Reorganize cabinets and drawers: Buyers and guests often open these, so an overstuffed cabinet can give the impression of inadequate storage. Using stackable bins or shelf risers can double your storage space.
• Pare down the pantry: Keep only essentials visible. Use matching containers for dry goods, which not only looks tidy but also helps the space feel more cohesive.

If you’re struggling to decide what to keep, here’s a simple rule: If you don’t use it daily, tuck it away.

2. Harness Natural Light to Its Fullest

Natural light doesn’t just brighten a room—it makes it feel bigger, too. Kitchens often have limited windows, so it’s essential to make the most of the light you have.

• Ditch heavy curtains: If privacy isn’t an issue, go bare. Otherwise, opt for sheer or light-filtering curtains that let in sunlight while maintaining some privacy.
• Clean all glass surfaces: This includes windows, light fixtures, and even cabinet doors if they’re glass-fronted. Smudges can block light and reduce reflectivity.
• Incorporate mirrors or reflective surfaces: A mirror backsplash or stainless-steel appliances can amplify light, making the room feel airier.

A National Association of Realtors report found that natural light is one of the top features buyers look for in kitchens, and it’s also a simple way to make the space feel larger.

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3. Opt for Light and Neutral Colors

Color is one of the first things people notice when they enter a kitchen, and lighter shades can make a dramatic difference.

• Paint walls and cabinets in soft tones: I often recommend colors like off-white, pale gray, or cream. These tones not only brighten the space but also reflect light.
• Add color in small accents: For example, a bowl of green apples or a vibrant dish towel can bring a little life without overwhelming the room.
• Refresh hardware: If you can’t paint cabinets, new knobs or handles can give them a lighter, fresher look without a huge commitment.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which neutral shade to pick, check how it looks at different times of the day in your kitchen’s lighting.

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4. Downsize and Rearrange for Efficiency

Kitchens are functional spaces, but too much furniture or too many appliances can make them feel cramped.

• Scale down where possible: If your kitchen feels crowded, try removing bulky furniture. I’ve seen oversized dining sets make a kitchen feel half its size.
• Arrange furniture for flow: In one home I worked on, simply repositioning a kitchen island created a better sense of openness.
• Limit visible appliances: A clean counter with just one or two well-placed appliances feels more spacious and intentional.

Open shelving can also help. I love how a few neatly arranged dishes or jars on open shelves can create the illusion of extra space.

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5. Upgrade Your Lighting Game

Lighting can completely change the mood and perception of a space. When I stage kitchens, I focus on layering different types of light for the best effect.

• Under-cabinet lights are a must: These are an easy way to brighten countertops and eliminate shadows. I often recommend adhesive LED strips for a quick, affordable solution.
• Pendant lights can be stylish and functional: I love using these over kitchen islands—they act as both task lighting and a design feature.
• Bright bulbs are key: When staging, I always use warm LED bulbs that mimic natural daylight. It’s a simple trick that instantly makes a kitchen more welcoming.

According to lighting expert Kerry Cochran for BHG, achieving a perfectly lit kitchen involves three essential steps: combining task, ambient, and accent lighting; mixing styles and materials; and selecting light fixtures that reflect your unique style without overpowering the space.

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6. Stage with Simple and Thoughtful Details

Once your kitchen is decluttered, cleaned, and lit, it’s time to add those final touches that make it feel inviting.

• Use natural elements: Fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, or a small herb garden can breathe life into the room.
• Highlight one key feature: If you have a beautiful backsplash or countertops, don’t over-decorate around them. Let them shine.
• Play with scents: Staging isn’t just about visuals. A subtle, pleasant smell—like fresh bread or citrus—can evoke warmth and homeliness.

Staging a kitchen isn’t about overloading it with décor. Less is often more. A single bowl of lemons on a clean counter can create a sense of elegance and space.

7. Create Flow Between Spaces

If the kitchen is part of an open floor plan or connects to another space, I always consider how to tie the rooms together.

• Use cohesive colors and materials: For instance, if the living room has light gray accents, I’ll incorporate the same shade in the kitchen.
• Remove barriers: Rugs or unnecessary furniture between spaces can disrupt the flow, so I often remove them.
• Keep pathways clear: This is essential for making the entire area feel larger and more functional.

I’ve found that when the kitchen feels connected to the rest of the home, it enhances the overall sense of space and continuity.

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “Instead of the eye and the mind being abruptly halted by edges and containing surfaces… they are now laid continuously on an exploration, never quite comprehending the mystery of layered and veiled space.“

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5 Quick Tips for a Bigger, Brighter Kitchen – 👉Main Takeaway

1. Declutter counters and cabinets for a clean look.
2. Let in natural light with sheer curtains and reflective surfaces.
3. Use light, neutral colors to open up the space.
4. Add layered lighting with LEDs and under-cabinet lights.
5. Connect spaces with cohesive colors and clear pathways.

Final Touches – Your Kitchen, Bigger and Brighter

Every kitchen has the potential to feel open and inviting—it’s all about how you present it. By decluttering, maximizing light, and adding thoughtful touches, I’ve seen even the smallest kitchens transformed into spaces that feel twice as big.

Start small, whether it’s clearing a counter or adding a new light fixture. Each change makes a difference, and before you know it, your kitchen will be the kind of space that draws people in and makes them want to stay.

Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about creating a feeling. That’s where the magic happens.