Steer clear of these 6 kitchen illumination oversights to craft a kitchen awash with radiance and ambiance
In the heart of every modern home lies the kitchen, a space where functionality meets aesthetics. A crucial yet often overlooked aspect of a well-designed kitchen is its lighting. We've gathered insights from industry professionals to help you create a kitchen lighting scheme that strikes the perfect balance between task efficiency and ambient appeal.
A layered lighting scheme, combining task, ambient, and accent lighting, is essential in a kitchen. Good kitchen lighting should provide sufficient task lighting for cooking without compromising on atmosphere. Wall lights can offer another great task lighting solution, illuminating specific worktop areas.
The importance of natural light in a kitchen cannot be overstated. Neglecting it is a common kitchen lighting mistake. Planning kitchen lighting to dovetail with the kitchen layout is essential for proper functionality. Understanding the layout and use of the space is important, as modern kitchens serve not only as workspaces but also as social hubs.
Energy-efficient LED bulbs and fixtures made from recyclable or sustainable materials can make a kitchen lighting design eco-friendly. In-cabinet or under-cabinet lighting and recessed spotlights should be considered at the initial stages of kitchen design. Under-cabinet lighting ensures countertops and cooking areas are well-lit, while a grid format for ceiling downlights is a common kitchen lighting mistake to avoid.
Smart lighting systems can allow flexibility in light levels and offer convenience and energy savings. Dimmer switches and enough lighting circuits are crucial for controlling light levels and creating different moods.
Industry experts, such as Claire Pendarves of The Soho Lighting Co., Melanie Shaw of Brilliant Lighting, and Mara Rypacek-Miller of Industville, emphasise the value of a dedicated lighting designer. Their advice can guide you in making informed decisions and avoiding common mistakes in kitchen lighting design.
Researching lighting ideas in advance and collating a mood board of ideas can help guide your final design. Prioritising task lighting and placing it directly over work surfaces, not behind, is also crucial.
Claire Garner, director of Claire Garner Interiors, and Molly Chandler, a designer at Willis & Stone, share their experience in creating quality kitchens to suit a wide variety of customer needs. Andrea Stuhlsatz, a designer who reported on the most important kitchen lighting mistakes, highlights the importance of visualising how you will use the kitchen space before designing the lighting.
By following these expert tips, you can transform your kitchen into a space that is not only functional but also visually appealing, setting the stage for countless memorable meals and gatherings.
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