Can Your Kitchen Renovation Use Some Bright Lighting Ideas?
October 26, 2010
From ambient lighting to spotlights on food preparation areas to
creating the right mood in a dining area, there's a lot to think
about when it comes to kitchen lighting. Whether you're doing
kitchen remodeling on your own or with a kitchen contractor, this overview
of kitchen lighting types should come in handy.
Choosing the Right Lighting for a Kitchen Renovation
Ambient lighting is a good place to start. Every kitchen needs a
central fixture to serve as the primary source of illumination.
This will usually be less bright than the lighting used over key
cooking areas. For maximum versatility, consider installing a
dimmer switch so you can adjust the lighting as necessary. Recessed
wall lighting or pendant lights can serve the same purpose in
modern designs.
You'll also need targeted lighting in specific areas of the
kitchen. Accent lights or strategically placed pendant lights can
illuminate countertops, stovetops, or a
kitchen island. Track lighting is another sleek option for
contemporary kitchens. Or, if your cabinets are mounted over your
counters, under-cabinet lighting will effectively illuminate your
workspace without flooding the rest of the room with too much
light.
Lighting Tips for a Successful Kitchen Remodeling
Ready to complete your kitchen renovation with the perfect
lighting? We've compiled a few more tips and tricks to ensure
you'll get the best possible illumination.
- Mix it up: If you have the option of adding or keeping a
skylight, bay windows, or other great sources of natural light, use
them to their best advantage. Combining natural and artificial
light can create the illusion of a larger kitchen.
- When in doubt, install more: As romantic as a dim kitchen might
be, insufficient lighting can actually be a safety issue while
you're cooking. Even if you enjoy drinking a glass of wine by
moonlight, make sure you have the capability to turn the lights up
when you need them.
- Don't go it alone: It might be tempting to install new lighting
on your own, and it may be feasible if all you're doing is hanging
a new light fixture. But adding new recessed wall lights or track
lighting is a job for a local
contractor, who will have the expertise to install new wiring
in compliance with fire safety regulations.
- Set a budget: Lighting should comprise only a small portion of
your kitchen renovation cost. If working with a contractor, get his
or her expert guidance on how lighting will fit into the overall
estimate on kitchen renovation.
By combining these safety tips with your own design
instincts--and having the foresight to find a kitchen contractor if
necessary--you'll have a recipe for beautiful, brilliant lighting
in your new kitchen remodel.
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