Most people focus their kitchen renovations on the floor tiles, the backsplash, the cabinets, and the countertop. While these are all vital parts of the room, improvements should not stop there. One of the secrets of interior designers is that they play with the lighting to achieve that glamorous look you see in magazine spreads. Do this right and you will be amazed with the difference. Below are a few tips that you might want to consider when creating a kitchen lighting design:
Spread the Light
Don’t just put one bulb in the middle and call it a day. While this can save on cost, it is not the most functional or aesthetic way to do it. Rather than put a very bright light at the center, consider using lights with less watts on the corners instead. This will spread the illumination across the room for a more even look. There won’t be harsh lighting on one part while the sides are dim. Dark shadows can be eliminated. If the kitchen is narrow, then you can you can form a long dotted line across the length of the room.
Location, Location, Location
Be careful where you place the lights. For example, downlights should not be too close to the walls as it will look awkward. This will also cause shadows to appear on the counter if you have hanging cabinets. This workspace should be bright, not dim. You should not take the lights too far from the walls either as they might bunch up together in the middle and have the same effect as a single bulb. You might even cast a shadow on your pots while cooking. The optimal position is between 2 and 3 ft.
Focused Intensity
Some parts of the kitchen may need lights with focused intensity. For example, you want a brighter light on the counters when chopping vegetables. You can install smaller LED lights under the hanging cabinets to get this effect. Turn them on or off depending on your need. You can also install a pendant lamp on top of the island, if you have one. A breakfast nook or small dining table in the kitchen can also benefit from such a lamp. If you have decorative pieces in the area, then you could also focus tiny spotlights on them.
Kitchen lighting design is all about maximizing the lights for a beautiful and functional space.
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