Many homeowners don’t consider lighting when they remodel their kitchen. That’s why it’s one of the first things overlooked in their budget. However, paying attention to this design aspect will make an area more enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing. With good lighting, you can create an impressive ambiance. You will also feel more comfortable when cooking when you can clearly see what you’re doing.
Improving your lighting design can be challenging, especially if you don’t know where to start. Here are some helpful lighting tips to enhance the look, feel, and function of your new kitchen:
Avoid Glare Bombs
When you settle with one ceiling-mounted fixture for your entire kitchen, some areas are bound to get more light while others will be shrouded in shadow. A single light can overpower everything in a space. Even recessed lighting in a typical grid pattern only helps with functionality but not with aesthetics. You need to understand which parts of the kitchen need illumination.
Plan for a Layered Look
If you want a kitchen you can flaunt, consider layering different light sources. To do that, you should first understand the different types of lighting.
- Task – This provides adequate lighting to workspaces, such as counter tops where you prepare food or read recipes. You can also use this inside a pantry so you can see your stocked goods. The ideal placement of task lighting is between a person’s head and the work surface.
- Accent – This lighting creates depth and dimension to your space. It prevents your kitchen from looking bland and ordinary, making it more inviting. You can use track lights, recessed adjustable fixtures, and spotlights to highlight artwork or other objects in the area.
- Ambient – This provides general illumination that fills a room and softens shadows. This type of lighting makes people feel instantly welcome. Ambient lighting can be sourced from the natural light entering your windows, chandeliers, and more.
Dim the Lights
For a more pleasant experience, consider making the lights in your kitchen adjustable to different levels. The intensity of the illumination you need depends on the activity you’re doing. You’ll need bright light while cooking and cleaning, while dim lights create the best ambiance for dinner conversations.
Try Different Shapes of Fixtures
Oval-shaped fixtures are typical kitchen accents. However, if you’re planning to improve the look and feel of your space, you should try other designs, such as box-shaped and drum-shaped lights. Not only could they elevate the appearance of your kitchen, but they could also catch the attention and interest of your guests.
Hire a Lighting Designer
Deciding on how to layer your lights can be challenging and confusing to do on your own. That’s why you should think about hiring a lighting designer when you’re remodeling your kitchen. They can assess your kitchen’s layout and other factors to determine the amount of illumination needed in the space.
In addition, a professional can help you create a clear vision of what types of fixtures you will need for your remodeling project. When you already know what type of lighting you want to be installed, you can make preparations even if you don’t have the budget for it yet.
Find Innovative Remodelers
If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, turn to W.E. Davies & Sons Remodeling in Madison, WI. Whether you want to overhaul the whole room, update your flooring, or change your lighting fixtures, we can give you stunning, transformative results. Call our professionals today!
