Getting the Kitchen Remodel Right . . . Don’t Underestimate the Light!

The Overworked KitchenFor many years the kitchen has been considered the heart of the home, and that trend is not going away anytime soon. It’s really no surprise the kitchen is the most utilized room in the home because a large majority of today’s kitchens do lots of overtime. These days, kitchens are serving as a dining room, an office, a family room, or a spot for social gatherings. For the kitchen’s varied activities such as cooking, eating meals, computer work, reading, or studying, the lighting is critical, and is an important aspect of designing or re-designing the kitchen that is often overlooked — but shouldn’t be.Crucial Aspect of Kitchen DesignKitchen remodeling experts in Clarkston agree that lighting is one of the most important elements of a kitchen remodeling project. Not only does lighting directly affect the tasks in the kitchen; the right lighting can have a dramatic effect on the overall look and feel of the room. For work zones in the kitchen, the right lighting can create the ideal atmosphere for a wide variety of tasks carried out there, and can reduce or eliminate eyestrain, and even minimize accidents. Measuring ingredients, chopping, prepping, sautéing on the cooktop, and using various appliances are all tasks that require good lighting, and professional kitchen designers and remodelers are able to expertly assist homeowners in choosing the right lighting for each of the various zones.Eliminate the Central Light FixtureIt is common for kitchens to have one central light fixture; however, a successful approach recommended by many Livonia kitchen remodeling companies is to do away with the central light fixture and to replace it with track lighting. Kitchen track lighting allows the homeowner to direct general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting to the right areas of the kitchen to not only render the ideal lighting for cooking activities, but also enhance the room as far as the general look and feel from an aesthetic standpoint. Track lighting can also help with lighting that will be directed into the cabinets, making it easier to retrieve or put away items stored there. The customization of the intensity of light in specific areas is a plus with track lighting because they can be adjusted and aimed at the areas needing the enhanced lighting. Make Worksurfaces More FunctionalWorksurfaces in the kitchen can easily be enhanced with lighting systems situated underneath the upper kitchen cabinets. The result from such a change is bright, unhindered light shining on the countertop which enhances precision and speed of meal preparation, not to mention minimizing accidents such as cutting a finger with a sharp knife or grater.   Mood Lighting?Lighting is often underestimated by homeowners, but kitchen designers and remodelers agree that lighting can make a room more pleasant. Brightening up the kitchen can enhance one’s overall mental wellbeing. The term “mood lighting” is something people joke about, but lighting — without a doubt — plays a huge role in a person’s mood and can positively affect the environment in the kitchen for all who enter. Aesthetic AdvantageA well-lit kitchen is absolutely more functional, but it is also more aesthetically pleasing. Real estate agents often coach their sellers to add more lighting when showing their home because it absolutely can make the space look more desirable. Wide Range of Lighting ChoicesKitchen remodeling professionals in Livonia are well-acquainted with quality lighting products that enhance the kitchen. With the wide variety of fixtures, track lighting, pendulum lights, under-cabinet lighting options, and smart lighting systems, the homeowner can sometimes become overwhelmed with the various choices available. Working with a seasoned kitchen designer who partners with high quality lighting companies is a great step people can take to ensure the right choices are made when updating a kitchen that will result in a beautiful, functional, and inviting gathering spot for friends and family alike. Think Flexible and Smart When Considering Various Lighting ChoicesProfessional kitchen remodelers categorize lighting into three different groups. 1) General Lighting (for the overall lighting of the room), 2) Task Lighting (for work going on in the room), and 3) Accent Lighting (for illuminating items inside glass-front cabinets, or for setting the right ambiance in the room). Having the ability to modify the intensity of lighting via a smart lighting system will make every type of lighting work in all three categories. Homeowners with a smart lighting system can turn the lighting up when they’re using knives and prepping food, or when they’re measuring ingredients with precision for baking. They can keep the lights on medium when socializing, studying, watching television, or working on the computer, and they can dim the lights to low when they are eating dinner to allow for some ambiance and relaxation at the end of a hard day. Homeowners can improve ambiance, boost security and even save energy with smart lighting solutions. Dimmer switches have been relied on for varying the light intensity in the past, and they still work fine. However, with advances in technology, smart lighting systems have become commonplace, and kitchen designers are knowledgeable about the various options available.    Dimly Lit Areas Can Easily be ControlledLocations such as a large pantry can sometimes be dimly lit, making it hard to put away and/or retrieve items. Partnering with a kitchen remodeling professional in Clarkston to upgrade a pantry’s lighting with smart lighting or convenient motion sensor lights will yield a lot of benefits. Not only do motion sensor lights make life easier by having the light automatically switch on when walking into the pantry, electricity is also preserved because the light will go off when not needed any longer. It is always a good idea to cut down on wasting electricity, just like Dad always said. The world of lighting has changed remarkably in recent years. Smart lighting systems have become very popular due to consumers being delighted and amazed by the new level of convenience and the ease of managing lighting in the home. For individuals seeking to update their kitchen, the lighting aspect is definitely not something to overlook. Smart lighting systems that offer a whole new level of convenience are worth considering. Partnering with a seasoned kitchen remodeling expert in Livonia is the best route to take when a remodel is being considered. People who have installed smart lighting systems often wonder how they lived without such a system. The benefits are immeasurable and adding such a system is surprisingly attainable.