How lighting can transform a kitchen renovation
Lighting makes a huge difference. In fact, we’d say it’s one of the most important features to consider in any kitchen renovation.
That said, it can be tough to know what type of lighting to use, where to place it and how to integrate it into your kitchen design. To make your reno easier we’ve got the answers.
Light up work areas
Having focused task lighting in your kitchen can make cooking, prepping and cleaning much easier. When installing opt for bright LEDs, installed above your sink, bench and stovetop. If you have a range hood, it’s a great idea to get one with lighting to make cooking easier.
Maximise natural light
If your kitchen is a little dark and dingy, a skylight, roof window or sun tunnel could be a great way to bring natural light into the space. The added light will not only make your space nicer to be in during the day, it may make it easier to nurture those house plants.
Create a layered look
Your kitchen lighting shouldn’t all come from one source or direction. Instead, mix it up by installing a selection of LED downlights for task lighting, a feature pendant light and accented strip lighting around cabinets. This creates a more natural, pleasant light but also turns lighting into an attractive design feature in your kitchen.
Careful with heights
Installing feature lighting above your kitchen bench is a great idea, but be careful with height. We’ve had plenty of clients install them too low and need to adjust them later. Leave at least 215 cm from the pendant’s lowest point to the floor to ensure they don’t get in the way.
Look out for glare
Cold, bright LEDs and shiny surfaces often don’t mix well. You may find that glare from your lights bounce off surfaces and becomes annoying after a while. Preventing this is easy – choose soft, warm lighting and matte textures such as fireclay for a glare-free kitchen.
Create a focal point
Lighting doesn’t need to be purely functional – it can be beautiful too. Choose one fixture as a focal point, or up to three matching pendants above a kitchen island to turn your lights into design statements.
Turn the lights down low
Modern kitchens are increasingly becoming places for family and friends to gather and spend time. So why not set a mood with dimmable lights? They can be turned up bright when you’re cooking, then turned down low when hanging out at the breakfast bar, or eating dinner.
Match your kitchen’s design
Every kitchen’s lighting should match and complement its design. So use your kitchen’s aesthetic as a starting point when choosing your lighting.
For example, if your fixtures and fittings are modern and minimalist like the Lucia range by Gareth Ashton, your feature lighting should be the same. On the other hand, if you’re going for a more classic look, fittings such as the Armando Vicario Provincial range, may be a better fit.
To start thinking about how your lighting will work with your kitchen, drop into your nearest Abey Selection Gallery to view kitchen fixtures, fittings, sinks and setups in person and speak to a kitchen expert.