If you haven’t noticed by now, one light fixture in the middle of your kitchen doesn’t cut it. It can often times create spots with blinding glare and dark spots where it hard to see. The best way to light a kitchen is to combine layers of task, ambient, accent and decorative lighting.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is the practical lighting used to assist in food preparation. For the best results, place these lights under cabinets or over your island, any place you will be chopping or preparing food.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting adds a warm feeling to your kitchen. It can make the difference between a kitchen for cooking and a kitchen for hosting. Ambient lighting fixtures may include flush-mounted ceiling fixtures, a pendant hanging over the island and adjustable track lighting.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is becoming more common as people spend more time entertaining in the kitchen. These lights can be used to light up artwork, a tile splashback, or even placed inside cabinets to highlight a special collection of china. Track lighting, up-lighters, directional eyeball lights and wall sconces are all accent fixtures.
Decorative Lighting
Decorative lighting should be in proportion to the size of your kitchen – the larger the space, the greater importance chandeliers, hanging pendants and other eye-catching fixtures play. You want to always make sure the size of your fixture fits with the size of the kitchen and that the shade material doesn’t show the bulb behind it.
Combine these lighting elements to add visual layers to your kitchen. You should also consider installing dimmers so that you can change the entire mood and function of your kitchen with minimal effort. Read More.