When designing your dream kitchen, don’t let lighting get swept under the rug. While many rooms in your home will only require a single fixture, your kitchen requires a combination of lighting to assist you in everyday tasks.
Just because your kitchen is a functional space, that doesn’t mean it also shouldn’t be inviting. By using a variety of lighting styles with different shades and brightness, you can create a warm atmosphere, without sacrificing practicality.
Not sure where to start? Let’s explore the different types of lighting that we use at Compass, along with how to use them effectively in your kitchen:
1. Recessed Lighting
Great for: Task lighting
If you’re after bright, task lighting, recessed lights are the fixtures of choice in a well thought out kitchen. Because recessed lights are installed directly into a ceiling, the bulk of the lighting fixture is hidden within the ceiling, preserving a sense of openness and space in the kitchen.
2. Cabinet Lighting
Great for: Task or Accent lighting
When it comes to cabinet lighting, you can choose to take the in-cabinet route, the under-cabinet route, or both! In-cabinet lighting is ideal if you have trouble searching for dishes or pans or want to spotlight glass or open cabinetry. Under-cabinet lighting where the fixtures are mounted on the bottom of wall cabinets, on the other hand, continues to be quite the trend. These lights cast a subtle, warm glow that not only enhances the visual appeal, but also enhances a touch of drama to the kitchen.
3. Pendant Lighting
Great for: Task or Accent Lighting
While pendant lights are mounted to the ceiling and hang on a rod or chain, it is not technically a surface light. Rather than illuminating a whole space, pendants are designed to bring light closer to low visibility areas, like a kitchen table, sink, kitchen island or stove. And frankly, these lights are more intended to be used as decorative features, opposed to being a task light. You can also utilize multiple, smaller pendants to achieve the same effect as one large pendant. Often, you’ll see these lights grouped into sets of two or three, with a dimmable setting that allows you to customize your lighting even further.
4. Statement Lighting
Statement lighting serves as a focal point in interior design, capturing attention and adding a touch of personality to a space. Whether it’s a dramatic chandelier or an artistic floor lamp, choosing the right statement lighting in your kitchen can instantly elevate the ambiance and contribute to its overall aesthetic. If you’re struggling to choose a statement light, consider these tips on how to best incorporate these types of fixtures into your home.
By using a variety of light types with varying shades and brightness, you can create a kitchen that is both inviting and practical for everyday use. At Compass Homes, we recognize that buyers often have difficulty envisioning what everything will look like once it is all together, which is why we offer clients access to our award-winning Design Studio where endless possibilities await!
