We all know that lighting can dramatically change the look and feel of a space and transform it from functional to atmospheric but also has the ability to reduce functionality when placed incorrectly. Getting the lighting right in a kitchen may seem easy, but there are definitely some pitfalls to avoid and some tips to implement for your kitchen renovation.
Overall Lighting Design
Colour of the Light
Types of Kitchen Lighting
Ambient – This creates a diffused but evenly spread light level in a room and nearly always with warm yellow light. This is most commonly applied by using a downlight and can be blended or overridden in small specific areas with brighter lighting. Dimmers are effective and the height of the downlight is too. Wall downlights are great in combination but will add more cost due to wiring. Placing centrally only will cause a shadow wherever you are so whilst this seems like a good way to cut costs, it usually isn’t. Balancing enough rather than having too many is key, otherwise you will have gaps or it will be too bright.
Task Lighting – This is usually close white lighting in a kitchen above your stove or preparation area so that even at night you don’t ruin the ambient lighting whilst still being able to do whatever you need. LED strip lighting under overhead cabinets is perfect for countertops and LED spotlights are ideal for cookers and islands. Not having any task lighting and just a bright kitchen will ultimately mean you have a kitchen that has no atmosphere and seem dull even though brightly lit.
Accent & Decorative Lighting – Technically these are two different types of lighting but unless you have a huge kitchen then they can be combined. This type of lighting isn’t practical, purely decorative to show off artwork, show off splashbacks or used near the floor. Using strip lighting above overhead cabinets or a few carefully positioned uprights aimed at the ceiling will create more space. In-cabinet lighting is also now affordable and effective in glass cabinets.
