Kitchen Design and Remodeling - How To Light A Kitchen

Many elements go into a successful kitchen design, from the choice of cabinetry to countertops, flooring, and appliances. One item that is often inadequately addressed, but which can make a tremendous difference in your design is your kitchen lighting.

The right balance of lighting in the kitchen can often make the difference between good functional design, and an outstanding functional and aesthetically beautiful design that reflects your style in its unique way.

From homework to meal prep and family meals, the kitchen is called the heart of the home for a reason! It's where we spend a significant amount of time working, playing, and entertaining family and friends. The proper lighting will make sure your kitchen design is functionally perfect and aesthetically beautiful, no matter how you use it!

Let's explore the ins and outs of modern kitchen lighting in this quick kitchen design lighting plan and guide.

Creating a Layered Lighting Design

Three Types of Lighting: Ambient, Task and Accent

Because your kitchen performs many tasks, as a technical space for cooking, as a workspace for homework, and as an "atmospheric space" for entertaining, lighting control is critical. When creating a lighting design for your kitchen, you need to build a layered design using three types of lighting; ambient, task, and accent.

Let's take a look at a well-balanced kitchen lighting design.

Ambient Kitchen Lighting

Think of ambient lighting as the base layer of light. Its function is to make the room usable. This type of illumination generally originates from the ceiling, think recessed lighting, flush-mount fixtures, or track or rail systems.

The key to effective ambient lighting design is to provide a consistent light layer. Recessed lighting is currently a hot trend and accomplishes this task efficiently. When adding recessed lighting to your plan, you want to focus on areas that are not covered by other fixtures like pendants, or under-cabinet fixtures. If recessed lighting isn't practical or usable, well-powered flush-mounted fixtures can be equally effective if you carefully choose locations in your space.

Kitchen Task Lighting

Task lighting is probably the most critical (and most often overlooked!) type of lighting in the kitchen. The kitchen is first and foremost a workspace, so the right light in the right location enables you to work safely in the kitchen.

Your kitchen countertops are where you work, and this is most important when considering your light source. A poorly cast shadow in an area where you're working with a large knife, preparing food, is not only inconvenient, it's dangerous!.

A key area for kitchen task lighting is under the cabinets. In fact, under cabinet lighting is one of the best investments you can make to improve the functionality, safety, and environment of the kitchen. If you've opted for open shelving or eliminated overhead cabinets, you can still add task lighting to your kitchen. Consider using smaller directions sconces or down-lit pendants in multiples to not only create functional task lighting but to also make a dramatic design statement!

Kitchen Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is where you can let your creativity fly! Typically, decorative fixtures often are used to fulfill the role of accent lighting in the kitchen. This is where you get to play a little. Look at this type of light as more of a design element than task or ambient lighting. Popular spots for accent lighting include over an exposed countertop like an island or peninsula, over the kitchen sink, or over the eat-in kitchenette.

For islands, peninsulas, and tables, you want to select a fixture that scales correctly to the space. Make sure to leave clearance on each exposed side of the work surface, so you're not bumping your head when you're working. Popular options include pendants, chandeliers, or even sconces. This is the perfect place to bring in a little bling for the room!

Lighting Key Areas in the Kitchen

Here are some ideas for lighting critical areas of your kitchen using ambient, task, and accent lighting.

Over the Island: Task or Ambient

Depending on whether your island has a cooktop/workspace or used more for gathering with family and friends, you'll want to light it according to its use. For task-oriented islands (food prep, homework), try a mix of recessed downlighting and hanging lights. For a "hang-out" island, something like a simple mini-pendant will work. Pendants should be placed a minimum of 30-32 inches apart and 30 – 36 inches above the island. Think about using the rule of three when hanging pendant lighting if you have space.

Under-Cabinet: Task or Accent Lighting

Ambient lighting is excellent when used to navigate around the kitchen; however, it often leaves shadows under cabinets and in areas that require more focus. Under-cabinet task lighting can properly illuminate work areas so you can safely prepare meals, read recipe cards, and spot ingredients on the shelf.

Standard under-cabinet options include:

Strip Lights
Versatile and great for illuminating a cabinet interior. LED strip lights are also used under the cabinet to illuminate counter spaces.

Puck Lights
Round or oval, puck lights are great for setting a mood and can be used to illuminate countertops in the form of a scallop, spot, or pool of light.

The Ceiling: Ambient Lighting

To really cover the room, recessed downlighting is the go-to for ambient kitchen lighting. In a smaller kitchen, a more significant flush mount fixture might work well, but recessed lighting gives you the ability to customize your lighting design. For even more control, use dimmers to control a range of lighting scenarios.

Grace Notes: Accent Lighting

Accent lighting can work to complete your kitchen lighting design by emphasizing the favorite elements of your kitchen. Some examples include:

Recessed Lighting
This type of lighting can go anywhere, not just on the ceiling. Recessed lighting can be used to illuminate areas of visual interest like open shelving or glass cabinets.

Over Cabinet Lighting
Placed between the cabinet and the ceiling, over cabinet lighting adds an element of drama to your kitchen. Similar to under cabinet lighting, over cabinet lighting can provide even illumination and accent décor, or architectural features.

Toekick Lights:
Toekick lighting is a great way to make your kitchen stand out and to illuminate a pathway. Toe lighting typically consists of rope lights or LED tape.

Creating a kitchen lighting design that is built on multiple layers of light, will help you to make the most of your kitchen space and enjoy every minute spent in the kitchen, from breakfast to your midnight snack. Your kitchen lighting design is an essential element in it's functional and aesthetic design. Your design-build contractor can help you to understand all of the options available.

If you're planning a kitchen remodeling project in the greater Tuscaloosa, Alabama area, give the design experts at Toulmin Kitchen and Bath a call at (205) 366-0807. Our award-winning design team will help you to create your dream kitchen, including a stunning lighting design!

Book an appointment for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your project.