Lighting and your Kitchen - How to Design a Lighting Plan that Cooks!

Your kitchen, more than any other room in your home, needs a good well thought out lighting plan. Today's kitchens have many more functions than just cooking a meal. For many families it is the most frequently used room in the house. Besides the obvious preparation of meals, kitchens today are also a place for the kids to do homework, parents to pay the bills, reading, eating and watching TV. For this reason it is important that the light not only be adequate but flexible.

The first place to start in any room when devising a lighting plan is to address general lighting. This is the light that will be used most of the time. In the case of a very small kitchen, one light in the center of the room will provide the general light. With most of today's kitchens being larger, a single light fixture in the center of the room probably won't satisfy your lighting needs. The most common solution is recessed lighting. Depending on what part of the country you are in they may be called high hats or pot lights or can lights. All these terms mean the same thing. Recessed lighting is a good way to provide general lighting in a kitchen in a neat and clean way.

The placement of the lights is very important. When designing a layout for the general lighting in a kitchen, we want to take into account the areas where tasks will be done. This includes counters, islands and tables. In most cases, by designing the light to illuminate these areas, the rest of the room gets a good spread of general light as well. Try to have the recessed lights fall out on the ceiling so that they are directly above the outside edge of the cabinets. The key here is getting the lights close enough to the work area so that you don't create a shadow with your body. Putting the lights to far away from the counters is a sure formula for shadows. Don't overlook any nooks that may be dark.

Islands can provide a great outlet for adding a decorative fixture or fixtures to the room. There are a multitude of pendants to choose from that can really enhance the room. I find it is probably one of the most commented on aspects of a kitchen lighting plan when the homeowner sees the finished product. Simply installing 2 or 3 pendants in line over an island can be quite stunning.

The next step is the task lighting. In a kitchen this is the light directly over the counters, stove and sink. Having one or two small recessed lights on a separate switch over the sink is both attractive and useful. The stove these days is almost always lit from a fan hood or microwave but if it is not it should be addressed. The way the counters are illuminated is with under cabinet lighting. This can be in the form of simple fluorescent fixtures on an economical level. A very nice effect is to use low voltage linear track. These can be dimmed and provide very good light to the counters. There are also xenon fixtures and halogen fixtures. If you can try and stay with xenon as they burn cooler and have a longer bulb life than halogen.

After you have your general lighting and task lighting covered the last thing to consider is any accent lighting. On some kitchens where there is a space above the cabinets, lighting on top of the cabinets can look spectacular. Tray ceilings with crown molding can also benefit greatly from this type of lighting. Using either a low voltage type track or rope light, you can add that extra touch that makes your kitchen unique. For more lighting tips and lighting design help visit the links below.

Paul Forte has been in the lighting and electrical field for over 25 years. He has helped countless homeowners across the country with their lighting needs through his website. He will be appearing on an upcoming episode of "It Takes a Thief" on the discovery channel installing some security lighting.

(c) Copyright 2005 Paul Forte. All rights reserved.

Paul Forte has been in the lighting and electrical field for over 25 years. He has helped countless homeowners across the country with their lighting needs through his website. he will be appearing on an upcoming episode of "It Takes a Thief" on the discovery channel installing some security lighting. How to Layout Recessed Lighting

Visit Our Home Page for more information

---

You Say Jacuzzi and I Say Whirlpool

What's in a name? Whirlpool baths have been around forever,... Read More

Buying Replacement Windows

While most buyers of double glazing are looking for replacement... Read More

Popular Trends in Home Technology

As a former home automation installer and a former manufactures... Read More

Home Floor Plan Designing For Your Future Home

Designing Your Own Dream Home for the New Home Builder:... Read More

5 Window Treatment Ideas To Improve Your Home

Coming up with interesting window treatment ideas that bring out... Read More

Transform Your Home with Decorative Country Lighting

As we become more of a home-based society, many more... Read More

Replacing Aluminum Frame Single Pane Windows

In our past articles I talked about all the steps... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - What To Show And What Not To Show On Your application Drawings

Many successful business deals are the result of being a... Read More

Research Concerning Color in Homes and Workplaces

Over the years, many studies have been done in countries... Read More

Everything - Plus The Kitchen Sink

Looking to do some remodeling in your kitchen sink area... Read More

How Stained Glass Can Add Elegance To Your Home

If there is one way to throw a new light... Read More

Home Fire Prevention Effectiveness 1

Are you aware that you can lose all your personal... Read More

The Right Bathroom Light Fixture Will Brighten Up Your Bathroom

A bathroom light fixture may be just what the doctor... Read More

Choosing A New Floor

Is it time to give that tired kitchen floor a... Read More

Create a Joyful Home with Living Accessories: Houseplants

Houseplants can be soothing because of their visual impact. Besides... Read More

Understanding Air Purifiers

Purchasing an air purifier can be confusing, and you do... Read More

How to Keep Your Tools Useful for Every Season

You don't want to keep your useless tools in your... Read More

Laminate Flooring Basics

Laminate flooring resembles the look of hardwoods but offers easier... Read More

Laminate Flooring Is Attractive And Long Lasting

Laminate flooring is perfect for people who want to install... Read More

How To Artify Your Home

Would you like to make your house feel more like... Read More

Is YOUR Home A Safe Home?

Do you or one of your family members suffer from... Read More

Interior Design Simply Means Personalizing Your Interior Environment

Interior Design today is all about customizing your built environment... Read More

How to Replace the Rollers on Your Patio Sliding Glass Glass Door

Hiring a professional to replace your rollers could cost you... Read More

Skip Troweling Method for Textured Ceilings

There are several ceiling texture choices to choose from when... Read More

Seven Interior Design Psychology Ideas for Dining Pleasure

A separate dining room adds glamour, elegance, and excitement to... Read More

How to Deal With Contractors

Not everyone is aware of how to deal with contractors.... Read More

Dining Rooms: Designing for Your Emotional Well-Being

I read an interior design book last night. Since I... Read More

Breaking Away from White Wall Paint

Paint is one of the most affordable and easiest ways... Read More

Make your Sauna a Focal Point

A sauna has been used throughout history in every part... Read More

Breaking the Mold - Creative Boys Bedrooms

Decorating boys bedrooms with licensed characters and themes is an... Read More

Deck Decorating

On my blog, I once wrote about life on the... Read More

Conservatory Planning Permission in the UK

It is quite unusual in the UK for a new... Read More

The Versatile Reciprocating Saw: The Power Tool of Your Dreams

A reciprocating saw is simply one of the handiest tools... Read More