It takes more than simply picking out your preferred light fixtures to figure out how to illuminate a kitchen. A successful kitchen lighting system requires you to understand how to modify your wonderful ideas, whether they came from Pinterest or your favorite magazine.
While it’s important to include your own preferences in the design of your kitchen’s lighting, it’s also important to keep in mind the functional and aesthetic implications of different lighting options.
Experts in lighting and kitchen design share their best advice for striking the right balance between the two, so that you may create a space that serves its purpose while also looking attractive.
Light Layering Techniques for the Kitchen
What does this foresight entail in terms of developing a multilayered lighting scheme for a kitchen? Multiple layers of lighting, each with its own distinct function, make up a layered lighting design. There are three main groups that can be made out of this:
- Task lighting
- Ambient lighting
- Accent lighting.
The most functional sort of lighting is task lighting, which is designed to illuminate a specific area so that it may be used effectively.
Spotlights and downlights can be used for task lighting in the kitchen, and depending on how they are installed, they may also serve as ambient lighting for the entire room. Other types of directional lighting, such as under-cabinet lighting and integrated lighting, are also commonplace in modern kitchens.
General illumination is the primary goal of ambient lighting. While this may increase the overall brightness of the room, its primary purpose is to create a soft, diffused glow. The usage of pendant lights over a kitchen island or dining table is a great example of ambient lighting. Ambient lighting might also include wall sconces or flush ceiling lights.
The usage of accent lighting allows you to highlight specific elements of your kitchen’s design. Accent lighting may be used effectively in a kitchen through the use of light strips on shelves or as kitchen cabinet lighting ideas, as well as lighting used within open or glass-fronted cabinets.
Is There a Preferred Color for Kitchen Lights?
Kitchen lighting options include both cold and warm light, which may be selected when purchasing bulbs or requesting integrated LED lighting. It will have a significant effect on the atmosphere of your room and is measured in kelvins.
Rebecca Hutchison from John Cullen Lighting suggests 2,700 kelvins as the most adaptable hue for the kitchen, as it produces a slightly warm light that is creamy enough to be on throughout the day but is still a comforting warm light for nights.
Shelving unit lighting is typically left on at night for ambiance, so you’d want to use strips with a higher color temperature, about 2,400 kelvins.
For example, a cooler light may be used for task lighting because it is brighter, making it easier to see, while a warmer light could be used for ambient lighting because it is more comforting.
However, using both at once might be disorienting, so think about how you’ll be utilizing the lights together. It’s possible you’ll utilize both your ambient and accent lighting at once, while only turning on your task lighting when you need anything done in the kitchen.
How Strong of a Glow Do You Want in Your Kitchen?
The best kitchen lighting schemes allow for varying levels of brightness, from high to dim. The appropriate amount of light, in just the right places, may be achieved with a well-thought-out tiered lighting design.
Morten from Zuma makes the excellent point that modern kitchens must serve several purposes, such as a place to prepare meals, host gatherings, hold homework sessions, and serve as a place to relax. “Your lighting should be flexible, rather than just on, off, or dimmed,” says the designer.
‘Customers are increasingly opting for LED lights.,’ Graeme from Life Kitchens says. “Not only do they look nice, but they also give off a lot of light, making them perfect for high-traffic workspaces. They last significantly longer than regular light bulbs while also being much easier on the environment. LED lights may be used for a variety of purposes and are very understated. It makes your kitchen more streamlined and brings your countertops and cabinets to life.”
How Would You Describe the Modern Style of Kitchen Lighting?
Kitchen lighting, like the rest of the house, is affected by current styles. Several significant kitchen lighting trends are emerging at present. These use more daring color palettes, organic forms, and materials.
Natalie from Iconic Lights says, “Every room of the house, including the kitchen, has witnessed an increase in natural textures..” Using natural materials and appreciating their imperfect textures and shapes is at the heart of this movement.
Victoria from Rothschild & Bickers agrees, saying, “Soft, sculptural, organic shapes are very popular right now.” This is in addition to the exquisite and welcoming appearance brought about by the diamond glass and optic glass finishes. The use of our sophisticated hand-blown glass pendants over kitchen islands and dining tables has also increased in popularity. Also, there is a marked increase in the use of color, especially vibrant jewel tones.
