When designing any kitchen, lighting is such an important factor and needs to be carefully considered. Interior designers put so much thought now into the cabinetry, appliances and counter tops. Don’t forget about how important it is that your kitchen needs to be properly lit to not only make it functional, but also to show off all of its great design features.
Lighting: where design and function collide
As a designer, I have learned that it is most important to illuminate a kitchen on 3 different levels:
- Overall – through the use of pot lights.
- Functionally – adding lighting under counter and above the sink and stove.
- Accent – through the use of pendants over the island or highlighting other feature areas.
Overall lighting
To create an overall glow and brighten the kitchen without natural light, pot lights are fantastic since they give off a crisp light which will make everything sparkle. Put your pot lights on dimmers and highlight different areas with separate switches.
Pot lights are now available in so many varieties, shapes, colours and sizes, and LED pot lights are definitely worth the expense, as they have a longer life and are available to give off a warmer light. Consult an electrician from our directory to get more information on lighting options for your kitchen.
Lighting for functionality
Under the counter lights are concealed under your cabinets and are typically an inexpensive florescent. We recommend a warm florescent bulb or LED rope lighting in a warm tone so you can nicely feature the items on your counters.
Accent lighting
For accent lighting, this is where you can have fun. I always say – the lighting and cabinet hardware are the jewelry for your kitchen; the lighting will define the look you are trying to achieve from traditional, to rustic and whimsical.
What to know when you’re remodeling your kitchen
- Keep in mind: if you are also purchasing kitchen appliances, consider what type of lighting they come with, as this may affect the mapping out your lighting plan. Adjust accordingly. When I design kitchens for clients, I love incorporating floating shelves into the kitchen; incorporate hidden lighting with puck or LED rope lights into or underneath these shelves for a custom look while being practical.
- If you have interesting ceiling details, like a cove or tray ceiling in your kitchen, create a nice ambiance by uplighting it with LED rope systems. This will add the WOW factor when entertaining.
- Most importantly, please remember to map out your lighting effectively. Consider hiring an interior design company like ours at the beginning to ensure your kitchen is as functional as it can be.
Important Designer Tip:
A must-do is to add dimmers to truly make a big difference in how your kitchen functions. Depending on the natural light available at different times of the day and the various cooking/ entertaining uses of your kitchen, the ability to adjust your lighting at different times of day will create different moods and save on your energy bill!
Need a dream team to recreate your kitchen? Our directory of interior designer specialists can help you map out which spaces require which kind of lighting. Then you’ll need an Electrical Safety Authority-certified electrician to do the work for you. Our directory features a ton of electricians and customer reviews for your reference. Check it out!
