Lighting Plays a Key Role in Kitchen Remodel

By Paulette Sodemann

When we are called in for a kitchen remodel in an older home, we typically find that the lighting scheme is inefficient.  There is usually a center light, one light above the sink, and one light above the table.

Lighting isn’t the most glamorous part of a remodel, but it certainly is important from the standpoint of having good task lighting as well as creating ambiance.  On our first consultation with a homeowner, we talk a lot about lighting, its benefits, and the various types.

For overall illumination, we use recessed lighting, either halogen or LED.  A single recessed fixture provides light with a five-foot radius.  Over a sink, we can also do recessed or possibly a pendant, depending on the space and layout of the kitchen.  If there isn’t an island or peninsula with pendant lighting, then a pendant over the sink will add a little flair to the kitchen.  But typically the pendant lights are over the island to allow for food prep tasks.  We definitely recommend dimmers for when you are not using the space, but wanting a nice accent at night.

Another layer of light is achieved through undercabinet lighting, with options of fluorescent, xenon, halogen, or LED.  Fluorescent lighting is budget friendly and cooler to the touch, but the drawbacks are it is not as energy efficient and you are going to be changing the bulb more often.  Halogens cast a bright, white light, but are not as efficient as fluorescents.  Xenon are comparable to halogen, but xenon and halogen get hot, so they can affect items sitting on the bottom shelf if they are on for a long period of time.  LEDs are the most expensive, but most energy efficient and last the longest (about 50,000 hours) before the bulb burns out.

Ambient lighting, which provides a nice atmosphere in the kitchen, can be added through rope lighting above the cabinets, or under toe kicks to highlight the island, depending on how much of a focal point is desired.

When we design a kitchen, lighting is not placed randomly.  We get very detailed on placement to ensure layers of light for tasks, atmosphere, and style.