From Dreary to Sunny: How Skylights Transformed My Dark Kitchen
I used to dread coming home to my outdated, gloomy kitchen. With its single small window, dark wood cabinets, and linoleum floors, it always felt like a cave rather than a place for cooking delicious meals. The lack of natural sunlight made the space feel cramped, dreary, and depressing.
After living with the dark kitchen for years, I finally decided it was time for an overhaul. I wanted to create a bright, uplifting space where I enjoyed spending time. That’s when I decided skylights would be the perfect solution to illuminate my kitchen remodel.
The Problems with My Old Dark Kitchen
My old kitchen design had several issues, but the main one was the serious lack of natural light. With just one tiny window above the sink, it was always shadowy and dim. I constantly had to flip on the overhead fluorescent lights, even in the middle of the day. This made the entire room feel like a gloomy cave rather than an inviting kitchen.
The poor lighting also contributed to the small, cramped aesthetic. Dark corners and shadows appeared around the perimeter of the room and on the countertops, making the space seem even smaller. And the outdated style of the old cabinets and floors only added to the depressing vibe.
Spending time cooking and cleaning in the windowless kitchen often felt like a depressing chore. Being in the dark room drained my energy and motivation. I desired a kitchen filled with sunlight where I could enjoy baking, prepping meals, and washing dishes.
Lack of Natural Light
With just one small, high-set window, my old kitchen design suffered from a major lack of natural light. Even during the day, I usually had to turn on the dreary overhead lighting. This illuminated the space but created a feeling of gloom rather than fresh daylight.
The limited sunlight also led to dark, shadowy corners all around the kitchen. Whether in the morning or afternoon, parts of the countertops and sinks remained dim. Opening cabinet doors would temporarily help brighten the interior, but it quickly fell back into darkness once closed.
Aesthetic Issues
The lack of natural light contributed to an outdated, depressing aesthetic. With its dark wood cabinets, gray linoleum floors, and limited lighting, the kitchen felt small, cramped, and closed off.
I hoped a kitchen remodel could create a brighter, cleaner, and more open look. The existing aesthetic was dull and dreary. I dreamed of a room flooded with sunshine to highlight a fresh backsplash, countertops, and appliances.
Impact on Mood and Energy
Spending time in the dark, windowless kitchen often felt depressing. Prepping meals, washing dishes, and cleaning up in the dim room became a dreaded chore that zapped my energy.
The gloomy lighting dragged down my mood and motivation. I desired a space filled with uplifting natural light where I could enjoy cooking delicious recipes and meals. A brighter kitchen seemed like it would encourage more time baking and less time simply completing odious tasks.
Why I Chose Skylights for My Kitchen Remodel
When planning my kitchen remodel, I researched several options for increasing natural light. Skylights seemed like the perfect solution. Compared to standard windows, skylights can let in up to three times more natural sunlight. They also open up interior spaces, allowing more of the outdoors in.
In addition to brightening up my kitchen, I learned skylights provide other benefits like improving moods, reducing energy costs, and adding value to homes. After exploring the various types and installation factors, I decided skylights would be the ideal way to transform my dark, outdated kitchen.
Skylight Benefits
During my research, I learned skylights offer many advantages over regular windows. Since they are mounted on roofs, they let sunlight shine directly into a space from above. This provides up to three times more natural light compared to vertical windows on walls. The ample daylight more effectively reaches all corners of a room.
All that sunshine also makes interior spaces feel more open and expansive. Rooms seem larger and less boxed in with skylights. This appealed to me since I wanted to make my small kitchen appear more spacious and airy.
Studies show natural light improves moods, focus, and energy levels. I looked forward to soaking up the sunshine in my new bright kitchen. Skylights also enhance aesthetics and can reduce electricity costs by limiting the need for artificial lights.
Additionally, skylights boost a home’s curb appeal and can increase resale value. I saw them as a stylish remodel investment that would light up my kitchen and house for years to come.
Types of Skylights
In my research, I learned there are several common skylight varieties to choose from. Fixed skylights have stationary panes that don’t open. These provide constant daylight. Venting skylights have an upper window that can open for ventilation purposes.
Tubular skylights contain shafts that funnel sunlight down from the roof through the attic and ceiling. No glass panes are visible. Glass block skylights are a decorative option made from solid glass bricks or blocks for softened, dispersed light.
For my kitchen, I decided a large, fixed skylight would work best to maximize light. The stationary glass would not need to be opened since I have other windows for fresh air. The broad skylight pane would let sunshine flood in unobstructed.
Cost of Skylight Installation
One important consideration was the cost of installing skylights. I researched local contractors and found the average price range was $1,000 - $3,000. Exact skylight expenses vary based on the type, size, roofing materials, and labor.
Tubular skylights tend to be one of the most affordable options, averaging $200 - $1,500 total. Custom or extra-large skylights cost more. I set an initial budget of $2,500 to cover a sizeable fixed skylight and professional installation services.
While not cheap, I saw the project as a valuable remodel investment. The energy savings and increased home value from skylights would offset the upfront expenses over time. And the results would drastically improve my enjoyment of the kitchen.
The Skylight Installation Process
Once I decided on installing a skylight, I researched the installation process so I could plan and budget accordingly. Proper planning was critical since the project involved cutting into the existing roof structure. Safety and preventing leaks were primary concerns.
First I got quotes from contractors experienced specifically with skylight installation. I ultimately hired a highly reviewed local company to handle the entire process. With their guidance, I made sure to obtain the required building permits from the city before starting any work.
Planning and Permits
To start, my contractor inspected the kitchen ceiling area and roof structure. He took measurements to plan the size and placement of the skylight opening.
We also evaluated key factors like the roofing materials, angle and direction, and impact on insulation. Proper structural support and weatherproofing were essential for a safe, effective skylight.
Before moving forward, I worked with the contractor to apply for the necessary building permits. These ensured the remodel met legal codes and requirements. The approval process took a few weeks but avoided potential issues down the road.
Roof Work
With the permits secured, the contractor could safely cut an opening in the roof. They first used chalk lines to map out the outline area on the shingles where the skylight would be installed.
Next, they removed the shingles and carefully cut into the sheathing and framing using a circular saw. The rough opening was reinforced with extra wood framing to provide sturdy support.
After placing the skylight unit, the roof space around it was meticulously waterproofed with flashing and sealant. New shingles were laid, and the surrounding roof surface patched and reshaped as needed.
Finishing Touches
For my fixed skylight, the glass pane frame simply had to be securely installed and connected within the roof opening. The contractors caulked and insulated around the edges to prevent leaks, condensation issues, or energy loss.
Inside, they repainted the ceiling area around the skylight. The white paint helps the eye adjust to the increase in sunlight shining from above. Finally, the electrician updated the lighting fixtures to complement the natural illumination.
After: My Beautiful Bright Kitchen with Skylights
The transformation after installing the skylight was incredible. My once dark and dreary kitchen is now filled with sunshine and feels like an entirely new space. I’m amazed at how effectively the skylight turned an outdated, cramped room into a bright and open kitchen.
Now whenever I’m cooking, prepping food, or washing dishes, I get to enjoy plenty of natural light and views of the sky above. The warm glow makes even mundane chores like cleaning up more pleasant. My kitchen has truly become a bright, uplifting environment that improves my mood.
Flooded with Natural Light
The new skylight immediately made my kitchen feel sun-drenched. I no longer have to flick on the harsh fluorescent lights just to see the counters clearly. Instead, warm sunshine now illuminates every corner.
In the morning, natural light reflects beautifully off my white cabinetry and quartz countertops. By mid-day, the skylight streams ample sunshine straight down onto my workspace. And in the afternoon, golden hour rays create cozy glow.
Airy, Open Feel
The skylight visually opened up and expanded the entire kitchen. Even though the footprint is unchanged, the space somehow feels significantly larger and less cramped with light coming from above.
I enjoy the open, airy vibe when cooking meals or baking. The sunshine and views of the sky create a pleasant environment. I find myself spending more leisurely time in my new bright kitchen compared to how quickly I would try to escape the dark old one.
Improved Aesthetic
The natural light also showcases my kitchen upgrades in a whole new way. Details like the marble-look quartz backsplash and brushed gold hardware shine in the sunshine. The skylight’s bright white frame blends perfectly with my fresh white cabinetry for a clean, modern look.
I appreciate how the sunlight highlights decorative touches like vases, paintings, and accent tiles. The warm, glowing ambiance encourages me to cook up healthy new recipes and experiment more in the kitchen.
Transform Your Own Kitchen with Skylights
If you have a dark, dreary kitchen you’ve been putting off renovating, I highly recommend exploring skylights. Assess your current lighting situation and how a sun-filled space could uplift your environment. Do your homework to understand the costs based on the size and type of skylight you need.
Make sure to hire professional installers to handle the structural roof work safely. Be patient as your eyes adjust to the new light levels. The benefits of natural light and views of the sky will make all the renovation work worthwhile. With strategic skylights installed in your kitchen, you too can transform a depressing cave into a bright oasis filled with sunshine.
Installing a skylight completely transformed my once gloomy, outdated kitchen into a warm, inviting space. The ample natural light makes it a joy to cook and clean in the room now. And the sunshine shining down from above makes the entire kitchen feel bright, airy, and uplifting.
If you have a dark kitchen bringing down your mood, I encourage you to look into skylights. With proper planning and installation, they can drastically change the feel of a room. I’m amazed by what a difference the natural light makes in my everyday enjoyment. A skylight can turn any dreary kitchen into a bright, cheerful oasis.