Kitchen remodels are one of the most popular home improvement projects
in the nation for good reason. Fewer areas of the home can benefit from
upgrading old, outdated equipment and systems (plumbing, electrical,
etc.) like a kitchen can. Aside from replacing old appliances with new
ones that function better and making the room more pleasing to look at,
replacing and reworking fixtures, workspaces, cabinetry, and other
kitchen components can really turn a room into something unique and
well-suited to the needs of your particular household. It doesn't hurt,
either, that homes with newly remodeled kitchens are both easier to sell
and often recover a significant amount of construction costs in added
market value!
Kitchen Lighting Basics
Homeowners who renovate their kitchens often breeze past one of the most
important concerns: the kitchen lighting. It's a common oversight
because many homeowners mistakenly believe that they have to forego
adequate kitchen lighting in order to use this room in a modern way.
With good design, common sense, and some of the latest lighting
technology, your kitchen can remain the center of life in your house
while providing plenty of light for your work.
There are three major types of kitchen lighting:
Ambient lighting is the general light in the room. Good ambient
light allows you to work safely in most areas of the kitchen and
provides the overall lighting feel for the space.
Task lighting provides higher and more focused levels of light to
a particular work area, keeping in mind the essence of getting the
light to where you need it. This is mostly found in closets, pantries,
cabinets, or drawers. Task lighting takes advantage of small light
sources and makes specific jobs much easier.
Accent lighting is even more focused and highlights objects or
areas you want to show off, such as artwork, glassware, or special
pottery. Though this kind of kitchen lighting isn't meant to make your
workspace a more functional place, it can add an aesthetic touch to the
room that will enhance the space and bring your newly remodeled kitchen
to life.
Know Your Kitchen Lighting Options
There are many new products and ideas that can help you enhance the
charm and form of every aspect of your kitchen; lighting might seem like
a "no brainer" but it can be trickier than you think. The problem is
that even well-informed homeowners might not know about all their
options. In most cases, getting a little help from a professional will
give you a far better idea not only of what's available, but of how
newer products (and older products, as well) are likely to perform and
hold up.
Reviewing all the possibilities with a lighting designer, a
knowledgeable interior decorator, or a reputable electrician can
actually save you money and hassle in the long run. These professionals
will be happy to help you discover how to provide the best light for the
least money and will be able to provide excellent advice on products or
brands that they've seen work well in the past.