Lighting Techniques for the Kitchen

When designing a kitchen, much attention is given to the countertops, cabinets, flooring, and appliances. But just as important is the lighting. Without the right types of lighting, a kitchen can look dull, dark, and dated.

“No single light source can provide all the necessary light for a kitchen. A well-lit kitchen layers and blends different types of light,” said Paulette Sodemann, a Sales Design Consultant with Callen. “When planning kitchen lighting, we incorporate three main types: ambient, task, and accent. Every kitchen is different, so what works for one may not be appropriate for another, but here are some general guidelines.”

Ambient lighting provides the basic illumination of the kitchen, allowing you to see and move about safely. Typically this lighting is recessed in the ceiling (can lights) or flush mounted. Recessed lighting is best placed around the perimeter of the room. Ambient lighting can also be accomplished with a central, decorative chandelier, or wall mounted fixtures. Lighting above cabinets that do not reach all the way to the ceiling is another choice for ambient light.

Task lighting focuses directly on work surfaces such as food prep area, stoves, sinks or islands. Over an island, pendant lighting is a workable solution; on perimeter countertops, undercabinet lighting works well. Ideally, task lighting comes between a person’s head and the work surface, which makes lighting located below the upper cabinets so effective. Many times, a pendant light can also work over a sink in addition to the island, but this depends on the size of the kitchen.

Accent lighting is the finishing touch used to highlight an architectural feature or decorative items or collections. Accent lights can also be put into glass cabinets or above open cabinets with a high ceiling, in toe kick spaces, or even under island overhangs to create drama.

If the kitchen has a traditional eating area outside of the island, lighting there is critical too. Either a decorative pendant or a chandelier that fits the style of your kitchen are options.

“We also recommend dimmer switches for the times you don’t want an abundance of light. Dimmers on all your light switches will help you create the mood you want,” Paulette said.

For more information or to arrange an initial Design Center consultation, call Callen at 414-529-5509.

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