The Best Tips for Perfecting Your Kitchen Lighting Design

When renovating your kitchen there is so much going on. From picking out countertops to hardware, cabinets, flooring, appliances, sinks, faucets and everything in between. It is easy to see how lighting can be left without notice. When it comes to choosing the right lighting it is so vital for any room in your home. In this blog I am going to take you through the 4 main types of lighting you need and how to create this look without overdoing it. So let's get right into it!

What are the 4 different types of lighting?

You have four types of lighting you need in your rooms to create a natural glow and properly illuminate the entire space. Lets review them here:

Task Lighting: This lighting is for exactly what its saying, your tasks. When choosing this lighting you want something that will illuminate the space that you work on. Having proper lighting across your countertop space and in pantries is crucial to see what your doing and what you have. Nothing is worse than trying to prep food in a kitchen that doesn't have enough lighting to see what you are doing or walking into a pantry and not being able to see the good you have available.

Accent Lights: Accent lighting will provide depth in your space and create dimension in the room. Different accent lighting includes: recessed lights, adjustable fixtures and track lighting. Depending on what design your going for, you have multiple options that will create a gorgeous, dimensional space.

Ambient: This lighting is meant to be gentle lighting that fills the room. It is the perfect base layer of lighting to start with. The original Latin meaning of ambient is "going round'". Your want this lighting to surround your room in a gentle feel that fills the room bouncing off the ceiling. This lighting can also include recessed lights, giving you two types of lighting in one.

Decorative: My favorite layer of lighting! When it comes to decorative lighting my hair raises a bit in excitement. Decorative lighting can give your space the personal touch and interest it needs to really stand out to your guests. I have read tons of articles on lighting and my favorite description for decorative lighting by far is "architectural bling." This is exactly what this lighting is meant for. Tap into your inner designer and find the perfect chandelier, wall sconce or pendant lighting that fits your style and space.

No one layer is going to work by standing alone.

By mixing these four lighting requirements, you create a space that will work in any setting you are incorporating in that moment. It may seem like a lot fitting in four layers, but be assured that it is much easier than it seems. When going with Barrett & Sons Home Remodel for your next renovation, you are immediately connected with an interior designer to fully plan out your lighting so all you have to do is sit back and pick your favorite decorative lighting.

The Best Lighting Strategies as seen on HGTV

When choosing lighting you want something that draws people into the room. When I was researching lighting strategies I came across amazing advice I want to share with you here:

Always think outside the kitchen: Today an open floor plan is seen throughout a lot of newer homes. When choosing the perfect lighting in your kitchen or any space your renovating, always remember to look outside of your space to see what rooms you can see from there. You don't need your lighting to match room to room, but you definitely want lighting that will flow together. For example, let's say I am changing the chandelier (my decorative light) in my kitchen but I can see my family room from there. I don't want to choose a chandelier that is completely different from the living rooms style. I want to make sure I choose a chandelier that stands out in my kitchen while complimenting the design I have in the living room.

Pick pendants that pop: Small, undersized pendants are so out. Choosing big, bold pendants over your island that really make a design appeal. Two large pendants or one oversized pendant over your island and table will add the statement piece in your space you need.

Trying translucent fixtures: Now, I know HGTV is saying to go fully translucent but hear me out on what I find the best: The idea of a translucent lens on the bottom while opaque at the top to hide the bulb is brilliant to me. Having a fully transparent fixture can sometimes be overwhelming. The light spreads everywhere, bulbs are visible and it can throw off the entire look you are going for. While going fully opaque can hide the light you need. When you mix opaque at the top and translucent at the bottom you are providing coverage for your bulbs while allowing the light to glow out of the bottom creating a decorative look with an ambient twist, covering two lightings needed in one. This design is obviously going to be different for each person. Depending on what design you are going for in your space, the fixture chosen will be decided on what will will flow well and what won't.

Opt for different shapes: Traditionally you will see oval and circular fixtures designs. Try adding more interest into your space by adding in rectangular box-shaped or drum-shaped fixtures.

Shedding light on artwork: Have you ever been to an art museum and see the sconces or recessed lighting they have above each art piece to make sure light is properly showcasing the beauty in the work? Why not have the same light shining on the art you love? Showcasing art around your home with specific lights that point at the artwork can really bring beauty and depth in your space. Try using recessed, adjustable low voltage lighting or sconces to highlight artwork. The lighting you will use will have a lot to do with where the lighting and artwork is located. Always make sure you re-adjust your lighting whenever moving artwork around your home. Each art piece is unique, so uniquely needs a specific light to showcase the beauty.

Give a glow to cabinets: Open shelving and glass doors are really in for kitchen renovations right now, you want to make sure you are giving them proper lighting to give your kitchen depth and style. Putting track lighting along the top of your shelves can turn your boring open shelves into a visual interest point that creates depth and dimension. The same concept would be used to showcase your favorite china or pottery behind your glass doors. Soft lighting used in cabinets gives them a look that makes it more than just your "kitchen cabinets", but a statement piece.

Include toe kick lights: Putting lights in under your cabinets can create an ambient look while providing a functional night light. It really creates a beautiful glow showing off the entire space.

Hide under-counter lighting: When installing your next countertop for you renovation, leave room under the lip to add in lighting. This creates additional lighting while providing light to drawers so you can see everything clearly inside.

Does the bulb matter? Of course it does!

When choosing lighting the options are almost endless. What really matters is making sure you have all of your bases, or corners, covered. Lighting is so much more than just a light to see, it can completely change the look and feel of your space.

Always remember when choosing fixtures, that is just the first step. Choose actual bulbs that work for that specific light and give you the tones you need in your room. A warm toned bulb can turn a gray wall into a yellow one while too bright of a tone could wash out the entire room. No matter the look you are going for, always make sure to never make the mistake of putting light choices on the back burner. It is such an important part of a renovation and takes time to get it right.

Conclusion

Four contacts of lighting is a MUST in any home renovation, no matter the space.

Contact Barrett & Sons Home Remodel today to talk with a design specialist to see what will look best in your space.