Q: Randall, how important is lighting to a kitchen design?
A: The kitchen is the heart of the home and now the center for casual entertaining.
Good lighting draws people into it like the glow of a roaring fire—or a freshly shaken martini. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but you’d be surprised at how expensive bad lighting can be. This applies to all rooms.
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| The pendant fixture in the center of this kitchen teams up with four additional drop fixtures that are visually tied into the coffered ceiling detail. Recessed adjustable fixtures provide cross illumination for the island and countertops. |
Q: What’s the most common mistake when it comes to kitchen lighting?
A: Trying to light the entire kitchen with one fixture centered in the ceiling. It
ends up being a “glare bomb,” visually overpowering everything in the space—
including family and friends. The best lighting layers task, ambient, accent and
decorative lighting into an effect-
ive blend. No single light source can provide all the necessary illumination. For example, opti-mum task light comes between your head and the work surface. That’s why the lighting located below the upper cabinets is so effective. If the cabinets don’t go all the way to the ceiling, indirect lighting installed on top will provide a soft ambient light. Each layer is an important piece of the puzzle.
Q: Why use dimmers?
A: Like in any room in the house, it’s good to have a variety of light levels available. When preparing a meal, it’s beneficial to have a bright punch of illumination. Later on, when lingering over a glass of wine, it’s nice to be able to dim the lights to a pleasing glow. Dim them even further, and you forget there are dishes to wash.
Q: What should homeowners keep in mind when selecting decorative fixtures?
A: Make sure that the scale of the fixtures is right for the space and that the shade
material has enough opacity to effectively hide the light source (bulb).
Q: Why are kitchens so often under-lit?
A: Lighting is often the last thing considered and the first thing cut. Even if you can’t afford pendants over the center island, at least install the junction boxes and put them on your holiday wish list. You already have enough scarves.
| Got a Question for Randall?
Come and get it.
Send questions to:
Residential Lighting magazine
attn: Last Word in Lighting
400 Knightsbridge Pkwy.
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Fax: (847) 634-7885
E-mail: cpalermo@vancepublishing.com
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| Pendant fixtures over the island should hang no lower than eye level when standing. It allows a clear view between the guests and the hosts. |
