Kitchen lighting is a useful way to create an atmosphere in a kitchen, it highlights and enhances the different areas of the kitchen. Strip lights and attachable LED lights become useful in areas difficult to light up, such as workspaces under cabinets and dimmer switches for lights over eating areas. Using the following guidelines, the kitchen lighting will be fit for purpose and will enhance the kitchen living space.
Step 1
Creating a grid of the kitchen is the first step in planning a lighting design for the kitchen. This helps focus on what areas are being used for and what lighting will be needed. Any positions that require extra lighting, such as workspaces where food is being prepared can have additional lighting. Interior design guides are useful in highlighting the different types of lighting available and what mood this type of lighting creates.
Step 2
Ambient lighting is usually already present in the form of a main light in the room. This can be further enhanced by light fixtures such as a dimmer switch, track lighting or a chandelier. Using this type of lighting exclusively creates dark corners and detracts from the feel of the room.
Step 3
Areas that involve food preparation and cooking, as well as sink areas, need specific lighting that allows enough light for the tasks to be done comfortably.
Step 4
Accent lighting helps create a theme, such as a country kitchen or a retro feel, in cabinet lighting for cabinets and display cases or for any focal feature that enhances the room.
Step 5
Dimmer switches are an inexpensive way of controlling the light usage and help create a romantic atmosphere for dinners or as a night light for a person who may want a midnight snack, it also prevents people from falling over chairs trying to find the light switch. It also creates a nice glow in the kitchen, further enhancing the feel of the room.
Step 6
If there is not already a multiple switch, have one installed, this helps to arrange which lights are being used. These can be coordinated to go with the décor of the kitchen.
Further Resources
Lighting Design Resources
http://lightingdesigninterior.com/
http://legacy.interiordesign.net/channel/Lighting.php/ or
https://twitter.com/InteriorDesign
Jack Lowder
