Top Tips to Remember for the Right Lighting Design for Your Kitchen

The right kind of lighting is often underestimated in the home – it’s a topic that is (in general) not well understood, after all. We all instinctively know when a certain place is perfect for work, or when the lighting brings out a warm and cosy atmosphere; but it seems that only experts understand how lighting works, and what kind of emotions it evokes.

 

The kitchen (as is the bathroom) is often particularly tricky, simply because the room performs two functions: it needs to be very practical, as a lot of work is done there, and it needs to be warm, because the kitchen is arguably the heart of the home. Here are some top tips to remember for the right lighting design for your kitchen.

 

The layered approach

 

By understanding the various kinds of lighting you can work with, it’s much easier to figure out what kind you need in a particular place. For the kitchen, this is particularly important. The layers are:

 

• Task lighting – when you have a job to do, you want the most appropriate light possible. It’s lighting that allows you to be productive.

 

• Ambient lighting – it’s the light we see around us; the light that sets the mood.

 

• Decorative lighting – There’s nothing wrong with having a beautiful lantern on the wall, just because it looks so inviting.

 

• Accent lighting – do you want some china or some piece of art to stand out? Use accent lighting to its advantage.

 

No glare, please

 

Too much lighting – or lighting from the wrong direction – can cause glare. You don’t want too many reflections, or too much shine that comes through from the corner of your eye. It’s a common mistake to try and light up the whole room for maximum visibility without taking reflective surfaces in mind. Avoid too strong a light, and avoid shadows created by those lights.

 

Use the dimmer

 

The power of the dimmer should never be underestimated – it allows you to control the light. Make use of it, as recommended by lighting experts like Aurora Lighting.

 

It’s important that you plan your lighting design; it’s important that you have a scheme in mind. Often it seems like an impossible task – and hence it’s always recommended that you consult a professional designer. Not only will the designer be able to find the right kind of lighting for your kitchen, he or she may be able to save you a lot of money in the long run. If the help of a professional is not within your budget, do careful research and visit showrooms or browse magazines or go online for ideas. It doesn’t have to be difficult (it can be very exciting, actually), but it requires time and planning. It’s a project well worth your time and effort.

 

 

Image courtesy of phaendin/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

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