How to brighten a north-facing kitchen

Q How can I create a cosy kitchen?

I need to decorate my north-facing kitchen but the room is quite dark. How do I create a light, bright space while avoiding a bland palette of whites and neutrals?

Sophie Conran says:

Without any direct sunlight coming in, a north-facing room needs to rely on a few tricks to create the illusion of light and warmth. Mirrors placed opposite windows
will reflect the light and make the room appear both bigger and brighter.

Spotlights in the ceiling can have a harsh feel, so add a pendant light over the table for a warmer glow and install a strip of fluorescent lights under shelves so that you can see as you prepare food and cook. Put each light source on a separate switch and have them all on dimmers, so you can change the atmosphere as you choose.

Colour is a fantastic mood enhancer and I’m a great believer in using bright, vibrant hues in the kitchen to create a happy, homely atmosphere. Red, orange, yellow and pink are all gorgeously warm sunny colours. Before making your final decision, buy tester pots of your favourite three shades and paint a large square of each on different walls. Live with it for a week or so, looking at it at different times of day to see it in different lights. Be brave and have fun.

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