While remodeling a kitchen, homeowners have got to be aware that lighting complements the interiors of the kitchen, and hence the fixtures used for lighting should be placed strategically. Lighting goes a long way in adding to that perfect look of a kitchen.
A common error that people commit while lighting their kitchens is installing just one ceiling fixture in the center of the kitchen. This kind of layout results in the formation of shadows, which could inconvenience a few tasks and gets pretty annoying. A combination of natural and artificial lighting needs to be used to give your kitchen that required makeover.
Also keep in mind that the lighting needs to be in accordance with the color of your kitchen. Before you embark on your mission to light up your kitchen, plan out your budget in accordance with the space available.
Lighting in Specific Areas
In a kitchen there are certain areas that require detailed lighting to highlight the areas. Kitchen cabinets, sink areas and dining areas need decorative lights that enhance the look of the kitchen visually. Whenever you use puck lights, see to it that you install them on either sides of the kitchen as this helps in minimizing shadows.
Cove Lighting
This kind of lighting is used specifically to distribute light in even proportions in areas throughout the kitchen. Cove lighting is used to emphasize the shape of the ceiling in a kitchen. The use of linear fixtures along with reflectors is essential on light-colored ceilings for cove lighting to produce the desired result. In this form of lighting, the selection of optical reflectors and lamp shades accompanied with the ratio of space is of utmost importance. In case you use pocket lighting, you can install a color wheel which changes the color of the glow emitted from the lights. Cove lighting involves a high degree of detail and precision, hence it would be a good idea to seek help from a professional.
Recessed Lighting
This form of lighting is getting increasingly popular in kitchens all over the world. These lights are installed to enhance the architectural structure of the kitchen, and can be installed in areas such as upper cabinets and sink areas. The trim styles in this form of lighting are used worldwide for their low-brightness emission which reduces glare. The light bulbs that are used in this form of lighting are directional lamps which make the use of reflectors in controlling the light, and diffuse lamps that control the distribution through omni-direction.
Accent Lighting
This form of lighting is used to incorporate an aesthetic feel to the kitchen. These lights focus on highlighting specific component areas in a kitchen, such as cutlery or glassware. Accent lighting is used to exhibit some exclusive areas in a kitchen. it also adds a subtle change in the ambiance of the kitchen and is well worth the money.
Task Lighting
This form of lighting is mainly used to create a wider illuminance in the kitchen area. Task lighting is used to provide an improved contrast ratio in lights. Adjustable task lights are glare-free and restrict the angle of light according to your needs. Asymmetric lights are meant to be placed where an actual task is performed in a kitchen.
Lights play an important role in magnifying the visual appeal of a kitchen, the light fixtures of various light sources need to be carefully selected in relation to the decor of your kitchen. Apart from the above mentioned kitchen lighting ideas, you can implement your own designs too when it comes to lighting up your kitchen. A well-lit kitchen helps in retaining the charm of the decor in your kitchen.
