Remodeling: Kitchen Lighting Ideas
Good kitchen lighting design is a must! When remodeling, the rule of thumb when choosing lighting for a kitchen space is to remember the three layers of light: ambient, task, and accent. A combination of all three sources creates a warm, welcoming space, as well as provides necessary illumination. But how do you choose the right lighting for your kitchen needs?
Start by considering the room’s layout and the type of activity you will be doing in each space of the kitchen. Will you be prepping food on the counters? Is your cooktop going to be illuminated from a vent hood or is it in the middle of your island? Where will your sink be placed? Do you plan on doing a lot of entertaining? You should also think about your décor and whether there are any items on which you wish to shine a spotlight. Once you have narrowed down your lighting needs, you can focus on the layers you want to incorporate in your kitchen design.
Here Are Some Kitchen Layered Lighting Tips
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is the primary source of lighting. It illuminates the entire room – think chandeliers over a dining table, pendant lights above an island, and recessed lighting scattered throughout the ceiling. How much ambient light you need depends on the size of the kitchen. For example, if the island is large, it may be best to use three pendants to evenly space illumination rather than a single lighting source.
Task Lighting
As the workhorse room of the house, a kitchen needs to have sufficient task lighting. You will want to illuminate all areas where you will be doing an activity. Undercabinet lights will provide illumination for food prep and reading recipes. Island pendants and dining table chandeliers shine ample light for eating, homework or reading the paper with a cup of coffee. You will also want a light source over the stove and sink.
Accent Lighting
The third layer of lighting, accent, brings depth to the space. Lighting within and underneath cabinets can highlight items like dishes and glassware or décor on a counter. Sconces add an unusual kitchen design feature in addition to illumination. Both can also serve as night lights.
If you live in Northern New Jersey and are considering a home renovation, call us to learn more about our kitchen remodeling services. Visit our Gallery and peruse our Projects to see some of our work.