Leanne’s choice: KITCHEN LIGHTING
Create a harmonious lighting scheme in the busiest room of the house to ensure it’s perfect for cooking, working and dining
Lighting can make or break any room – and perhaps none more so than a kitchen. Discovering the best approach to planning kitchen lighting will make this aspect of kitchen design a breeze. Whatever kind of kitchen lighting you’re considering, there are a few universal guidelines to bear in mind. Plus, they can all be adapted to work in any style of kitchen, from ultra-modern to cosy country.
How to plan your kitchen lighting
The key to creating a successful lighting scheme lies in layering the effects, so you should try to zone the lighting according to its use – working (task), dining and mood (ambient) and creating wow factor (feature). It’s important to think about all three and consider dimmable solutions for even more flexibility. An open-plan kitchen usually has multifunctional uses, from dining, entertaining and relaxing to doing homework, so these tasks should be reflected in the lighting plan.
Where should the lights be placed?
When deciding where to place your lighting, the architecture and layout of your kitchen is the first thing to consider and if there is natural light and which direction it comes from. Also take into account the ceiling height and the proportions of the room. Then work out where you need focused light directed. Once you have this foundation lighting, consider the decorative aspects.
How bright should kitchen lights be?
LED lighting is a popular choice as not only does it provide ample illumination for all the busy task areas, but it also aesthetically enhances the space. LED lights are an energy-efficient option, too, and much longer-lasting than standard bulbs. They allow for a streamlined design through your kitchen and bring worktops and cabinets to life.
3 HAVE FUN WITH A FEATURE WALL
Fake it! A great way to make an impact is with trompe l’oeil wallpaper. While your book collection may have been whittled down in favour of e-books in recent years, with a gorgeous bookcase-print wallpaper, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the traditional look of book-filled shelves in alcoves.