In order to make your dream kitchen come to life, there are a number of important factors to consider but one consistent element in kitchen design is a focus on light. Both natural and artificial light can have an impact on mood, atmosphere and function so it will serve you in the long run to consider what lighting you need to make your kitchen a happy place. With so much choice out there, it can be hard to pin down what you want and need so we’re here to help guide you through the process.
Determine Your Lighting Needs
Whether you have a finished kitchen with a layout you love or you’re in the process of building it from the ground up and haven’t quite figured out how to integrate lighting into the space, we recommend assessing a few key factors: - How much natural light do I have to work with?- What atmosphere do I want?- Do I need my lighting to serve a specific function? - How can I weave my lighting into the overall design?
How much natural light do I have to work with?
If you’re lucky enough to have a kitchen that leads out onto a garden with glass doors or a wide window to gaze out of while you’re doing the washing up, you may be satisfied with the amount of light you’re receiving. However, if access to natural light in your home is limited, you may want to consider the possibility of installing a skylight. Depending on your property, installing skylights is a fantastic way of increasing natural light in the home. Healthline suggests increased light can improve sleeping patterns and boost mood. And skylights come in vast shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that suits your personal space. Read our guide to skylights in kitchen extensions to learn more. For a more cost-effective solution to increasing the light in your home, keep the colour scheme light and hang mirrors to create a sense of more space.
For those of us that have limited (or no) access to natural light in our kitchens, choosing the right light fittings is paramount. Make sure you’re choosing a style that will illuminate each corner of the space so that you can move and cook in your kitchen safely.
What atmosphere do I want?
When it comes to the room in homes that concerns the most people, kitchens appear time and again. It carries so many connotations – from being the heart of a home and a place for nourishing the family to an area for unwinding at the end of a day – that pinpointing what kind of atmosphere we’d like to walk into is really significant. If you want an invigorating ambience for while you’re cooking but mood lighting for once your food is on the plate, opt for adjustable recessed lighting. For an intimate, calming atmosphere, pendant lights are a really popular feature, particularly in kitchens with an island. Whether you're looking for something simple or more ornate, pendants give off a warm glow, making them perfect for relaxing.
Do I need my lighting to serve a specific function?
Are you a dedicated home cook who needs bright, focused light to efficiently slice, dice and sauté? If this sounds like you, we recommend opting for under-cabinet lighting or pendant lighting above the worktop where your chopping board lives. If you’re more of an entertainer than a culinary goddess and love dinner parties minus the cooking, we recommend pendant lights over a kitchen island for instant ambience. Scour Pinterest for plenty of aspiration kitchen island lighting solutions and book in a free advice call with us to chat through your options.
Don't Forget the Bulbs
The bulb is the most important part of your kitchen lighting. It's what produces light and will make or break your room.
There are many factors to consider when shopping for bulbs, including wattage, shape and color (or "temperature"). You'll also want to consider how long you want your bulbs to last before they burn out so that you don't have to replace them too often.
The right kitchen lights can help you cook more safely and comfortably
The right kitchen lighting can help you cook more safely and comfortably, entertain with confidence and relax in the comfort of your own home. If you're still not sure which lighting combination is for you, this advice article from Home Building is a great resource.
