Lighting is such a major element in our homes but continues to be overlooked in construction. It still amazes me when I visit model homes builders are still missing the importance of good lighting in the kitchen and bathroom.
Today, unlike our parents or grandparents, we don’t have to make do with poor lighting because there is a plethora of options to fit any budget.
As a designer who focuses on kitchen and bathroom remodeling, it’s so important to have great task lighting to prepare a meal and do homework, accent lighting to highlight that new piece of art you just purchased, or ambient lighting (general lighting). Natural light is obviously a great source and at night can be recreated by a beautiful chandelier, pendants or recessed lights. There are so many great possibilities.
When designing a kitchen, I use all 3 lighting elements for example: task lighting is achieved by installing recessed lighting to better see those vegetables you are cutting up and not your fingers. The new beautiful backsplash you just had installed don’t leave it in the dark accent the wall with under cabinet lights such as: led linear slim lights or my new favorite, Legrand’s Adorne collection [pdf]. Legrand’s Adorne allows your beautiful backsplash to be the star of the kitchen without having distracting glare distract your eyes from the tile you might have chosen. In addition, besides the under cabinet LED liner light, GFCI’s (ground fault circuit interrupter), and USB modules, it offers an array of other accessories such as iPad holder, mobile phone cradle, and digital music kit. Highlight that new quartz countertop with accent lighting proudly show casing your new island or peninsula with beautiful pendant(s) or a chandelier. Again, the possibilities are limitless.
Today, unlike our parents or grandparents, we don’t have to make do with poor lighting because there is a plethora of options to fit any budget.
Great lighting to me is like putting on that final accessory to make your outfit go from “okay” to “wow!” In other words, you can design a space with many beautiful pieces, but if the lighting is inadequate, you have missed a real opportunity to transform your old and drab space into a warm and inviting space to be enjoyed by family and friends.
Irma Harris-Horne
Senior Designer
Pendant lamps, under cabinet LEDs, and natural light combine to show the beauty of this kitchen.