Monday, July 20, 2015

Best Lighting Options For Your Kitchen

More than any other room in the house, the kitchen calls for the most diverse lighting options since so many functions happen in this space.  Today we'll talk about all the lighting options for a kitchen and, of course, provide some great pictures of some different kinds so you can maybe get some great ideas for your own home.

General Lighting


All kitchens need a main light source for the entire space.  In older homes this tended to be a single light fixture in the center of the room.  On newer homes you tend to see more recessed lighting.  Either way, there are some great options out there.  Many who have recessed lighting have found great LED retrofits that work great in a standard recessed can.

Cottage Kitchen with Bosch Built in Microwave, Rejuvenation Jefferson school house fixture, Flat panel cabinets, One-wall
Source:  Zillow Digs

Cottage Kitchen with Custom hood, Flat panel cabinets, Hardwood floors, Complex Marble, Open shelving, European Cabinets
Source:  Zillow Digs

Contemporary Kitchen with Undermount sink, Complex granite counters, Flush, two dishwashers, Pendant light, High ceiling
Source:  Zillow Digs


Modern Kitchen with Flush, Undermount sink, Subway Tile, U-shaped, European Cabinets, MS International - Crema Atlantico
Source:  Zillow Digs

Craftsman Kitchen with Premier Housewares Vintage Home Utensil Holder - Cream, Kenmore 1.6 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave
Source:  Zillow Digs

If you have a north-facing kitchen or one with no windows, you might also want to consider solar tubes. These tubes funnel sunlight from the roof down to your space using mirrors to bounce the light around.

Contemporary Kitchen with Wood counters, Breakfast nook, Brooks Custom Edge Grain Wood Countertops, U-shaped, flush light
Source:  Zillow Digs


Modern Kitchen with Crown molding, L-shaped, Kitchen island, Pendant light, Flat panel cabinets, Flush, Glass panel
Source:  Zillow Digs


Bar & Island Lighting


Hanging pendant lighting over bars and islands are a great place to show your personality.  If you have an open concept floor plan, keep in mind other light fixtures within the entire space so that you have continuity and cohesiveness.  Other than that, go nuts!

Contemporary Kitchen with MS International Marble Calacatta Lasa, two dishwashers, Undermount sink, Subway Tile, One-wall
Source:  Zillow Digs


Modern Kitchen with Bosch 30" Double Wall Oven Benchmark? Series - Stainless Steel HBLP651UC, Provenza Heirloom Color Dover
Source:  Zillow Digs


Cottage Kitchen with Trim Board Primed Finger-Joint, Complex marble counters, Thrifty White 32 sq. ft. Hardboard Panel Board
Source:  Zillow Digs


Contemporary Kitchen with Exposed beam, High ceiling, Pendant light, 5-jar chandelier, European Cabinets, Flush
Source:  Zillow Digs

Contemporary Kitchen with Era Backless Counter Stool Designed by Michael Thonet, High ceiling, Concrete floors, Pendant light
Source:  Zillow Digs




Task Lighting


Whether your washing vegetables, chopping them, or sauteing them, you need light to be able to see what you're doing.  Under cabinet lighting really helps with general tasks.  A light over the sink is a must to see the grime on your dishes, and of course, you need great lights over your cook space.

Eclectic Kitchen with Beveled subway tile, Rejuvenation Baltimore Pendant, Painted black cabinets
Source:  Zillow Digs

Cottage Kitchen with Pendant light, Wainscotting, Kraus KPF-1602 Chrome Commercial Style Kitchen Faucet, High ceiling
Source:  Zillow Digs


Cottage Kitchen with Soapstone counters, Davinci soapstone, Raised panel, Slate Tile, Stone Tile, Flush, European Cabinets
Source:  Zillow Digs

Cottage Kitchen with Flat panel cabinets, Pendant light, Calacatta carrara, European Cabinets, Complex Marble, Flush
Source:  Zillow Digs

Country Kitchen with Complex granite counters, Flat panel cabinets, Kitchen island, L-shaped, Farmhouse sink, Stone Tile
Source:  Zillow Digs


Specialty Lighting

Once you have the major areas covered, you might want to consider one or two specialty lights.  Inside glass cabinets or lights to highlight a specific feature come to mind.

Contemporary Kitchen with 1224wc 24" wine captain, Cabinet cup pull, 2 1/2 in. center to center, Wine refrigerator, Flush
Source:  Zillow Digs

Contemporary Kitchen with Undermount sink, Glass panel, Stone Tile, Hardwood floors, Kitchen island, tv wall mount
Source:  Zillow Digs

Modern Kitchen with Limestone counters, AKDY Stainless Steel Wall Mount Range Hood, One-wall, Large Ceramic Tile, Flush
Source:  Zillow Digs




Table Lighting


If you have a dining table in or near your kitchen, then you have a fun opportunity to put in a crowning jewel over your table.  Who says you need a regular old light for this space?

Traditional Kitchen with Wolf Gas Rangetop, Undermount sink, Crown molding, High ceiling, Breakfast nook, Flush, Raised panel
Source:  Zillow Digs

Traditional Kitchen with Inset cabinets, La Phillippe Reclaimed wood Rectangular Dining Table, Chandelier, Ceramic Tile
Source:  Zillow Digs


Contemporary Kitchen with U-shaped, Viking VCSB5483SS 48" Side-by-Side Refrigerator/Freezer, Complex marble counters
Source:  Zillow Digs

Source:  Michelle Schwake for Stafford Family Realtors, all pictures from Zillow Digs

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