Bring Life to Your Kitchen with Lighting

Choosing to undertake a kitchen remodel is a big decision that can change the look and feel of the heart of your home while also increasing your home’s resale value. Cabinets, countertops, and appliances are all obvious components, but one aspect that’s equally as important is lighting. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, these lighting ideas will add a new dimension to your space and help complete the transformation into an updated kitchen.Think LayersJust because you have bright lighting doesn’t necessarily mean that you have good lighting. A well-lit room will have light from a variety of sources and illumination levels, which is called layering. There are three main functions of light fixtures, and your kitchen should employ a combination of those functions.

• Ambient – Ambient light is what provides the main source of illumination for a room. This can come from a variety of sources, including windows, ceiling lights, and sconces and should provide enough light to move around the kitchen and easily grab what you need.
• Task – This type of lighting is focused on a particular area and assists you in tasks like reading a recipe or prepping dinner. Task lighting usually comes in the form of lamps, hanging fixtures, and under-cabinet lights. The light should be placed in front of the person, which will prevent shadows from blocking their work.
• Accent – Accent lights do as the name suggests: they highlight specific elements in a room. Usually, accent lights illuminate things like architectural features and art. Accent lights are also known to create attractive shadows on the walls.

ControlsConsider dimmers for under-cabinet lighting, which then performs two functions: task lighting when bright and accent lighting when dim. A dimmer wouldn’t be out of place to control the main ambient light source, either. Dim light can create a different mood; this is particularly important if you have a kitchen that opens into a larger space.Motion sensors can help you save on energy costs. Motion sensor lighting detects natural light in the kitchen and only turns on in the evening.Recessed LightsFor a general source of kitchen lighting, try recessed lights. These lights sit recessed into the ceiling and should be placed around the perimeter of the room, approximately 30 inches from the walls in order to reduce unwanted shadows.Cabinet LightingOver-cabinet lighting acts as accent that creates a warm mood, and when left on at night can illuminate the way to the fridge!PendantsPendants hang from the ceiling and can add a splash of style while providing light for cooking.Don’t be left in the dark about lighting. It’s an easy way to turn a dull kitchen into a place that’s perfect for cooking and socializing. With help from design experts, you can adjust your lighting to set the perfect mood for your home.