MAKE LIGHTING YOUR FOCUS

Don’t underestimate the impact of a stunning light over your island or breakfast bar. “Lighting adds atmosphere, functionality and style to your kitchen, and is a brilliant way to complete your space,” says Ikea’s interior design leader Christine Gough. A super-chic light will distract the eye from plain fittings and up the glamour quotient of your space. Playing with shape, texture and size increases the visual impact. “Often, bigger is better,” says Melissa. Make sure you keep your lighting balanced by establishing a visual hierarchy, with one zone acting as the ‘star’ of the room, and downlights and other task lighting playing the secondary role.