5 Stylish Lighting Designs for Your Kitchen

My kitchen is the place we gather around the most. I love my food, and my wine :) I was sitting in there the other day and realized I wanted to switch up the lighting so I started to do some research. Kitchen lighting needs to be a stylish combination of functioning, decorative, and inviting. In fact, only one type of lighting design in your kitchen might not be enough. The kitchen is a wonderful place to spend time with your family, try out new recipes (well for George too, we all know I don’t cook), and entertain guests (we LOVE to entertain). These all require different types of lighting. Ideally, you want lighting that looks good and helps you get all your cooking and cleaning done. Here are five stylish lighting designs for your kitchen.

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting is the type of light that fills the room, much in the same way as natural light. The best way to create an ambient lighting design is by replicating the effect of natural light after the sun goes down, or is shining on the other side of the house.

One of the best options for ambient lighting is recessed lights or can lights built into the ceiling. We currently have these in our kitchen right now and they are staying! They provide such amazing light. These aren’t designed as a decorative feature, you can have more fun with other lighting styles for this. Instead, it’s best to have them high up and out of the way, producing enough light for the desired effect.

Task lighting

Even if you’re not about to audition for Masterchef, you’re likely to spend a lot of time in your kitchen preparing meals. This means you need functional lighting that looks good to light up your work surfaces. Under-cabinet lighting is an example of this. Lighting under your cabinet is more effective than inside, as this illuminates your kitchen counter. Have a look at some affordable options. 

Pendant lights

Pendant lights create a focal point and are more of a statement piece. These are the lights that hang down lower from your ceiling. Pendant lights are typically placed over a kitchen island. They can still be sleek and subtle, however, and they’re also functional. A high-end residential interior design can help you pick out the best lights to suit your kitchen design. There are plenty of choices available online, ranging from metallic design to glass globe pendants.  I am currently looking at different options of pendant lights for our home so stay tuned my friends.

Decorative lighting

If you want to add your own unique style to your kitchen, then decorative lighting is a fun way to do this. Think of it like accessorizing your kitchen. The placement of decorative lighting is also important. Perhaps you want to light up an architectural feature or complement some artwork. 

Decorative lighting is less functional than other lighting designs, so feel free to explore your own taste. Decide whether you prefer antique or rustic style or a more modern look. Here are some examples of modern, one-of-a-kind designs.

Natural light

There are many benefits to incorporating natural lighting into your kitchen design. Specific architectural styles are built with the purpose of letting more light in. These include light shelves, light tunnels, and skylights. Natural lighting highlights all the important features in the room and adds elegance. It’s also proven that natural lighting helps to boost energy levels and your mood. It takes the design of your kitchen to the next level. 

So I will keep you posted on what I choose and do a round up of all the lighting that I eventually have in my kitchen. I can’t wait.

Cheers!

Janelle