Kitchen Lighting! Are you thinking of embarking on a kitchen renovation? My initial advice would be “DON’T” and to find an easy hobby like cloud watching! But my next reaction is “GO FOR IT!” You will love the result and the pride from all the hard work and survive microwavable meals for weeks on end. I want to put a little bug in your ear though, to take the time and think about the lighting in your kitchen.
Focus On The Lighting
Kitchen Lighting can make or break the room. I see many beautiful kitchens, but if the lighting is off, it throws the kitchen off. This endeavor may seem like an easy task, but it’s not. Once you realize the magnitude lighting has in your kitchen, you will find yourself spending more time on this than any other step in the renovation.
First, look at your primary kitchen lighting feature. Is it a fluorescent light fixture? If yes, it needs to go. Hard words to hear, I know, but trust me, you will not want to see the harsh light it will cast on your new (and expensive) quartz counter-tops. I suggest removing the fluorescent and replacing with recessed lighting. This step will immediately modernize your home. Be careful not to skimp on recessed lights. Install the right amount of lighting for your kitchen size.
Additional Kitchen Lighting
Next, take a step back and see what other fixtures you have in this space. Is there an obscure fixture above the breakfast table? Do you have pendants above the island or peninsula? Could it be you have too much hanging down? The style of lights decides if your space feels overloaded or flows. You want to avoid chunky, over the top fixtures confined in one area. Consider replacing with mostly simple, glass designs instead of ornate, Buckingham Palace worthy chandeliers, especially if space is small.
For example, we had the fluorescent light and a significant builder grade, dull, chandelier hanging over the table. The previous owners had their dining table directly behind where my couch is now. The large light obstructed the view into the kitchen and messed up the feel of the open concept. My first step was to remove the chandelier and replace it with a ceiling fan. My table wasn’t going in the same spot, so I didn’t want a fixture to break up the view from family room and kitchen. The breakfast room was their sunroom, but our new dining. We took down the existing ceiling fan in sunroom area and replaced it with drum shaped light for the new dining area. The next step was to remove the sizeable fluorescent light and so began our renovation.
Kitchen Lighting Impact
Lastly, please invest the time and money into installing under and over cabinet lighting. In my renovation, Colby made this suggestion ½ way through. At this point, I was maxed out with projects and hot pockets. I was at my breaking point. Why on earth is he asking me to consider ONE MORE step in this insane process? I reluctantly agreed, and he got to work installing the extra lighting. This additional step was the game changer in our kitchen renovation. Having ample lighting was the best way to show off the kitchen.
Analyzing your lighting situation can be a daunting task when done right. It is well worth the extra time. Let me know if you would like my help selecting kitchen lighting!
About Balance & Harmony 360², Inc.
Owned and operated by Melinda Smith, CPO®, we offer Business Training & Consulting with a Twist! Our sweet spot is working with Entrepreneur’s and their companies to create a productive work environment, happy home, and prosperous you! Our passion is listening to clients goals, thinking through solutions and coming up with creative 360² action plans that address work, home, and you! Love Going to Work Again! Increase Time with Your Family! Get Things Done! Our process is simple and geared toward the professional. You CAN get your LIFE back in BALANCE!
Audrey Whiteley, CSE®
Audrey works for Balance & Harmony 360², as a Certified Staging Expert in the HOME Division. The home environment affects your health, productivity, and happiness. She works with individuals who need to freshen-up outdated décor, “show” a room’s potential or help homeowners create a lifestyle. Audrey makes the most of your surroundings whether you are staging a home for a quick sale, building a home, or want to elicit a more vibrant and peaceful setting in which to live.
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