Looking to brighten up hallway. Should I paint the cabinets. Also question on lighting (color, doors)

[riaelise]

I’d go with replacing those flush mount fixtures with the recessed likes like you said. They can make a world of difference. I wouldn’t use daylight bulbs. I used to use them and eventually they appeared harsh to me. I’d instead buy “bright white” bulbs (2900k), brighter and less yellow than soft white but not as harsh as daylight. I also prefer ge reveal bulbs

[cp102]

Originally Posted by southernnaturelover

I don’t understand how some people like those blue lights in their house. To me they make things look cold and sterile, it’s like being at the doctors office.

They are LED lights and their not blue but a bright day light and it really makes a difference.We used them in a dark bathroom and its amazing how much lighter it is in there.

[tel0004]

Originally Posted by Diana Holbrook

Before painting the cabinets, what about just changing the pulls to something new and bright? White, or a bright color?

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Hardware...4705,4703,8562

One tip... don't choose something that will catch clothing when you walk by.... the round design you have is best, except for color.

On edit.... now that I read your post more carefully... I see you already are going to try this.

Originally Posted by CollieMan

Were they talking about the cabinet hardware or the replacement door hardware?

I'm still staunchly on the "paint the cabinets" side... A high quality enamel spray with good prep work should take a day and will be durable as you can get.

Both will be replaced, although I'm leaning towards brushed nickel for both. I wouldn't think white hardware would work on the existing cabinets

[CollieMan]

Originally Posted by tel0004

Both will be replaced, although I'm leaning towards brushed nickel for both. I wouldn't think white hardware would work on the existing cabinets

Definitely not white on the dark wood if you’re going for nickel on white for the replacement doors.

The project you’re thinking of really isn’t that hard. Prep work is tedious and important, but it’s more time consuming than anything, there’s not a lot of skill involved in removing the doors, sanding/priming/painting.

Definitely do a spray though. Rollers never look right for what you’re trying to do.

[gentlearts]

I remain confused. I thought op was already replacing the wood with white doors?

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by gentlearts

I remain confused. I thought op was already replacing the wood with white doors?

She's replacing the doors to the rooms, closets. The cabinets would still be stained - unless she has them painted.

[historyfan]

It looks like the one section of cabinets was a later addition to a narrow hallway.

I would paint the ceiling haint blue as though it were a porch ceiling in need of light. & also change out the light fixture.

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by historyfan

It looks like the one section of cabinets was a later addition to a narrow hallway.

I would paint the ceiling haint blue as though it were a porch ceiling in need of light. & also change out the light fixture.

No one really likes that breast light fixture. My son sent me photos of his new place, and I made a comment about the boob fixture.

Thanks mom.

[Charmainedecor5]

I would definitely paint the cabinets a nice bright white to match your baseboards. There is so much DIY on youtube to show you how to do that. If you had the budget I would also tackle the doors and paint them either the same white as your baseboards and cabinets or add some contrast, depending on your color scheme and paint the doors a dark grey. You mentioned doing a can lighting. I would actually use an accent pendant lighting rather which will give the space some personality such as something like this https://industrialfurnitureworld.com...silver-finish/. Hope that helps! Would love to see photos of the finished space! Cheers!

[tel0004]

Originally Posted by Charmainedecor5

I would definitely paint the cabinets a nice bright white to match your baseboards. There is so much DIY on youtube to show you how to do that. If you had the budget I would also tackle the doors and paint them either the same white as your baseboards and cabinets or add some contrast, depending on your color scheme and paint the doors a dark grey. You mentioned doing a can lighting. I would actually use an accent pendant lighting rather which will give the space some personality such as something like this https://industrialfurnitureworld.com...silver-finish/. Hope that helps! Would love to see photos of the finished space! Cheers!

I think i'm leaning towards painting the cabinets. Also, the doors are being replaced, not painted (although they will be painted white).

I do like that fixture, but I have 8 foot ceilings, so I need something flush mount.