9 Ways To Brighten And Refresh Your Kitchen For Summer

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, so when you’re looking for a seasonal refresh, it’s a great place to start.

Here are a few ways to make it shine for the summer.

1. Lighten and Brighten

Swap dark colors for:

• Soft pastels

• Sunny yellows

• Coastal blues

• Crisp whites

• Consider a removable wallpaper accent wall for a big wow-factor.

• Even small touches like dish towels or a bowl of fruit can lighten a space.

2. Clear the Clutter

Store infrequently used appliances and wipe down every surface. Throw out old mail and put away anything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen. A clean, open counter makes your kitchen feel more open and inviting.

3. Add Some Green

Potted herbs bring another pop of color (and a summery scent) and will thrive in the summer sunshine in your windowsill. As a bonus, you can use them in your summer cooking and drinks.

Consider these summery plants:

• Basil – for pesto, caprese salads, and basil lemonade

• Mint – for iced tea, fruit salads, and drinks

• Cilantro – to make taco nights taste even better

• Thyme – a great addition to grilled veggies, chicken, and seafood

• Chives – add freshness to summer dips, potato salads and omelets

• Dill – just in time for pickling, potato salad, and tzatziki season

• Lemongrass – adds pizzazz to teas and stir fries

4. Upgrade Hardware

New knobs or drawer pulls can transform cabinets with minimal effort. Matte black or brass can give your fixtures a modern look.

5. Brighten Lighting

Letting in natural lighting with open windows and sheer curtains makes the kitchen brighter, literally. Add under-cabinet LEDs or swap in lighter fixtures to brighten work areas and set the mood for those summer board game nights.

6. Add Summer Vibes

Incorporate seasonal decor such as

• Citrus candles

• Woven baskets

• Light art prints

• A bright bowl of summer fruit, such as lemons or oranges

• A light linen table cloth

• Plates and flatware in lighter colors and metals

• Brightly colored glasses

• A colorful or jute mat in front of your stove or sink

These small details create a relaxed, seasonal mood, and can be easily updated each season.

7. Tidy the Pantry

Label your jars and containers and sort them using baskets or other containers. A neat pantry makes cooking prep easier, leaving you more time to enjoy the process, which is essential to easy summer dinners.

8. Create a Drink Zone

If you don’t have a bar, you can set up a small station for:

• Water (plain or fruit-infused)

• Mocktails

• Iced tea

• Lemonade

Your cart should include a pitcher, glasses, and fresh fruit. It’s a simple, summery way to stay cool and hydrated.

9. Open It Up

Remove a few cabinet doors or paint shelf interiors for a lighter look. Open shelving instantly makes the space feel more airy and inviting.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need a full renovation to refresh your kitchen. A few simple, thoughtful changes can make it feel lighter, brighter, and ready for summer.

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