Wednesday 26 August 2015

Kitchen Lighting Tips


One of my current projects is a family kitchen extension. We are extending the existing kitchen and incorporating both dining and lounge areas.

If you are thinking about or redesigning your kitchen, I cannot stress enough the importance of lighting. It will transform your room.

As I am frequently asked about lighting, here are my top tips for kitchen lighting to help you make the right decisions.



1. Use different light sources
Ensure you use different light sources at different levels in your kitchen. Lighting has different purposes so consider what you'll be doing in your kitchen first and foremost and where it will be happening.
Spot lights are perfect over counter tops and for areas that should be well lit to prepare food and cook/clean, pendants and wall or table lamps are ideal for dining areas creating a softer and more atmospheric light.
The combination of lighting will be functional and create interest and focal points within the room.

2. Zone your lighting
Zone your lighting so that you can operate different areas independently. For example, when you're eating dinner, you can turn off the lights highlighting the overflowing sink and create a more intimate dining atmosphere. Depending on the size of your kitchen, lighting could work as follows and all working independently to one another.
Kitchen spot lights
Breakfast bar pendants
Dining table pendant
Lounge lighting


3. Dimmer switches
My top tip of all. I strongly encourage you to use dimmer switches in combination with the above in your kitchen. In addition to the zoning of areas, you then have the power to control the overall feel in a room, and rather than plunge areas into darkness, you can create a softer general light.
4. The power of three
As with everything in design, always work in odd numbers. If you have a breakfast bar in your kitchen, 3 hanging pendants are very stylish, not to mention practical, making much more impact than one pendant alone. With dining tables I may use one statement pendant rather than three pendants, my choice will depend on the style of the room and other light sources used but it will be just that, a statement, a focal point. Again, using different light sources, sizes and types will create interest in your kitchen.


{Images: Pinterest, deVOL Kitchens, Humphrey Munson}

1 comment:

  1. "Brilliant Illumination Insights for Your Kitchen! This article on kitchen lighting tips is an absolute gem for any interior design enthusiast. It beautifully explores the transformative power of lighting, shedding light on innovative techniques to enhance ambiance and functionality within the heart of the home. From task lighting over countertops to ambient fixtures creating a cozy atmosphere, these tips are a game-changer. A must-read for those seeking to elevate their kitchen's aesthetics and functionality through the artistry of lighting design. Kudos for illuminating our paths toward a more inspired interior design journey!"

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