KITCHEN
LIGHTING GUIDE
Kitchens are one of the most used and admired spaces in any home. Not only do kitchens involve the obvious cooking and cleaning, but tend to be one of the first noticed by any home buyer and guest.
Lighting has kept pace with all the latest high end modern appliances and high quality materials so consider what your design deserves.
Lighting can either make or break the efforts. Drab or poor quality lighting will not only under light the area or give poor color quality, but it can make the room feel smaller and less appealing. Good lighting can make even ugly kitchens nice.
Blending all the kitchen lighting needs while keeping all your design preferences architectural obstacles and goals in mind can be quite the task! In this guide we will identify all the kitchen lighting needs as well as how different lighting techniques and products create different effects.
Good lighting adds drama..
*in this picture notice up lighting on the top of the cabinets, under cabinet lighting, interior cabinet lighting, symmetrically placed recessed lighting, decorative & functional pendants over the island/stove.
Kitchen over cabinet lighting- provide a cozy indirect lighting and diffused fill lighting to help eliminate shadows created from projected lighting (doubles as a great accent light for late night glass of milk or baby bottle)
Lighting for tasks..
The particular areas to focus or project light on include counter top areas where food prep or cooking takes place. Over the sink where the dishes get cleaned, At/inside cabinets where dishes and cups are stored.
Lighting displays materials...
After directing light at the most important areas you also have displayed particular focal points! Cabinet doors are displayed because you need the light inside the cabinet when the door is opened.The shiny sink and faucet because you need light for cleaning. The decorative and functional counter tops because you need to prep food.
Accent lighting for mood & safety...
Use a low level of light that can be used for lighting throughout the night. Indirect lighting is the softest least invading. Think about how the lighting on the above cabinets will match the lighting on the underside. Avoid using lighting that will have non matching colors.
Toe kick lighting is another idea, use caution though a reflection may appear off a glossy floor. Putting all the lighting on dimmers and turning particular ones of your choice at your a desired level is another way to create a mood.
*notice the recessed spots to the left over the sitting area to help light the work or eating space.
Decorative lighting adds design & comfort..
Kitchens tend to be a gathering places for guests also contain the most costly materials.
*notice the classy chandelier that not only adds to the design, but additional lighting for just about any level of light when paired with a dimmer. See also the illuminated surfaces for task lighting while displaying the beautiful counter top surface.
Kitchen Chandelier Lighting- Chandeliers in kitchens allow for multiple bulbs and tend to give ample light. Caution using this method of light even though very bright, it will create shadows and can give the room a central and washed out look if you don't include other lighting.
Decorative can be functional..
Lighting for decorative reasons like chandeliers, island style fixtures or hanging pendants not only add a flare, but can serve as functional light. Use caution many available blown glass pendants are for decorative purposes only so keep in mind.
Proper use is key... Decorative fixtures are very design and placement sensitive. For example a fixture designed to provide high light levels over a counter or table will only provide glare if hung high in the middle of the room you will be looking up at bare bulbs.
*notice how open this design feels without any fixtures over the island... Some people may prefer a little something to tie everything together. 