The lights in your kitchen have a big impact on your ability to cook and enjoy your space, so you need to make sure you choose a lighting design with proper placement, fixture style, and bulb type. Follow this guide to get the kitchen lighting of your dreams.
How Do You Know Where to Place Kitchen Lighting?
Here are the essential steps to figuring out where you need lights in your kitchen:
- Consider your kitchen layout and size carefully. A smaller kitchen or galley kitchen can work well with a fixture in the center, while larger kitchens with islands and open floor plans need large fixtures in multiple areas.
- Plan to have a strong light over your oven, sink, and main food preparation area so you can see easily while doing tasks.
- Add smaller auxiliary lighting near food storage areas or spaces where you’ll be eating food.
What Can You Do to Create an Attractive Design?
Follow these steps to pick stylish light fixtures for your kitchen:
- Use decorative fixtures to add extra flair to your kitchen. Pendant lights over islands and central chandeliers can add exciting drama.
- Match your lighting fixture to your sink and cabinet hardware for a cohesive look.
Do the Lightbulbs You Pick Make a Difference?
Once you choose your light fixture styles, use these steps to pick the right light bulbs for your kitchen:
- Install lights with dimmable options so you can alternate between a bright workspace and a cozy entertainment space.
- Use a cooler light temperature for central lighting and a warmer light temperature for auxiliary lights.
- Consider fixtures and bulbs with smart options so you have plenty of flexibility and can use your phone to adjust lighting from anywhere in the house.
How Do You Get the Right Kitchen Lighting?
Whether you’re designing a kitchen from scratch or updating an existing one, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional. Installing kitchen lighting requires a lot of electrical work, so it’s not usually a DIY job. In addition to helping with the practical installation details, a professional Carlsbad kitchen and bath designer can also provide valuable recommendations that ensure you get the style and functionality you want.
Are you ready to bring warmth and function together in your kitchen? Forever Builders offers the kitchen remodel design services Rancho Santa Fe homeowners rely on to plan everything from fixture placement and bulb selection to the electrical work that makes it all come together safely. Our team will help you choose lighting that suits the way you cook, gather, and entertain while complementing your cabinets, hardware, and overall style. Contact Forever Builders today to schedule a consultation and start designing the kitchen you’ve always envisioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright should kitchen lighting be?
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The general rule of thumb is that you need around 60 lumens of brightness per square foot of kitchen space.
Should you do pendant or recessed lights in a kitchen?
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This depends on your design goals. Recessed lights are more subtle, while pendant lights can add more stylistic appeal in a kitchen.
What task lighting options are available for kitchens?
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Consider under-cabinet LEDs and built-in range lights if you want strong illumination in your work areas.
Do I need a light over my kitchen island?
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The majority of kitchen lighting designs include a light over the island because it’s an easy way to make the space attractive and functional.