Welcome to Part 5 of our Kitchen Remodel Series. There are so many components to creating a beautiful and functional kitchen and we’ve enjoyed sharing them with you! Next up, is maybe one of the most overlooked elements - lighting. It’s easy to get caught up on the big material finishes like cabinetry, counters and flooring but lighting has the power to make or break your design - and from a functional standpoint, you’ve got to be able to see!

To keep it simple, there are basically two types of lighting, overhead or ambient lighting and task lighting. Overhead is primarily functional while task lighting (chandeliers, pendants and sconces) brings allllll the style. In this blog, we'll explore these various types of lighting, their purpose, how they can complement different design aesthetics, and of course, we’ll leave you with lots of inspiration.

oVERHEAD LIGHTING

While there are several options for overhead lighting, by far the most popular is recessed lighting. Recessed lighting refers to fixtures that are installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling, providing a sleek and unobtrusive look. We install recessed lighting in almost all our projects and they’re a favorite for many reasons. Their ability to blend seamlessly into the ceiling, creating a clean aesthetic, allows them to complement a variety of design styles. For some, this lighting is all you need in a kitchen, (especially if you have a dimmable option) but recessed lighting is subtle enough to blend into the background and allow you to incorporate beautiful task lighting, like pendants, into the mix.

Whether you’re adding other lighting elements or not, your recessed lighting will require a thoughtful lighting plan. This plan plays a crucial role in enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. Here’s some tips for properly designed lighting plan:

• Typically, cans are placed approximately 4’ apart

• Set your recessed lights between 2,700-3,000K for a warm and inviting glow

• Get dimmable lights!

Example lighting plan:

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task LIGHTING

From a design perspective, task lighting is like the secret ingredient in a dish that takes a recipe from good to great! Thoughtfully chosen fixtures can accentuate architectural elements, highlight focal points, and create stunning visual depth and character. The three most popular options are pendants, chandeliers and sconces and in many of our kitchen designs we incorporate a medley of all three, or sometimes four, if you also include recessed lighting!

Each one has a massive range of styles and finishes meaning you’ll want to carefully select and keep in mind the other design elements in your space. For example, how will your cabinet hardware, faucets and other finishes work with your lighting?

A Few Tips:

• For a streamlined look, choose the same finishes for all fixtures

• For a more dynamic vibe, mix metals!

• Our favorite metals to mix are brass and matte black

• Brass and gold tones add warmth to a space

• Polished Nickel is more traditional

• Chrome lends itself to modern designs

• Consider wattage to ensure your space is appropriately lit

Now that you know what you’re looking for, enjoy these inspiring spaces and links to some of our favorites task lighting!

SCONCES

In short, a sconce is a light fixture mounted to the wall as opposed to the ceiling. They are the epitome of mood lighting and will instantly add a touch of charm and warmth to your kitchen.

Sconce placement ideas:

• Mounted over the sink

• Flanking the range

• Spotlighting a piece of artwork

• On a small accent wall

• Over floating shelves

Another thing to keep in mind with sconces is their height. Because they are mounted to the wall and not the ceiling, make sure you choose something that people won’t accidentally bump into while occupying your kitchen. Also, when using sconces in a walkway, opt for something with a slim profile so that it doesn’t stick out too far!

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PENDANTS

Pendants are probably our most used lighting option for kitchens. There’s something so elegant and timeless about them, especially when centered over an island or sink. They can create a beautiful focal point and have the power to tie the entire space together! Beyond aesthetics, they offer functional task lighting for cooking, baking or even for the kiddos who are doing homework at the counter.

Here’s a few placement tips for nailing a gorgeous pendant look in your kitchen:

• When placing over an island, ensure the pendant is 28”-36” above the counter

• Typically, pendants over a large island have 24”-30” of distance between them

• Smaller islands (under 6’) look best with either one large pendant or two-three smaller pendants

• Larger scale islands look fabulous with larger scale pendants

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CHANDELIERS

When people hear the word “chandelier”, they often envision an ornate, regal fixture dripping with crystal accents. While it’s true that traditionally chandeliers were associated with opulence and grand entryways, there are now a wide range of options that will complement different design styles while still bringing a sense of luxury and drama to the heart of the home.

PS. Don’t forget your dining nook!

An eat-in dining area is an ideal spot to add a chandelier (or an oversized pendant) that will bring style and character to your space.

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We hope you enjoyed exploring the world of kitchen lighting and feel inspired to find the perfect options to work in your space and reflect your unique style! If you loved this blog, make sure to check out parts 1-4 of our Remodel Series for topics on cabinetry, hardware, counters and backsplash!

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