When designing a new kitchen, lots of thought and planning goes into the layout, appliances and cabinetry – but an equally important aspect to get right is the lighting.
If you’re renovating or building a new home, there are three essential types of kitchen lighting you’ll need to consider: task, accent and ambient lights.
So, to help you find the perfect lighting combination, in this article we share our top tips to lighting up your new kitchen space.
Task lighting
A crucial part of any functional kitchen, task lighting allows you to focus light onto specific areas where you need a clear view. In most kitchens this would generally include lighting over your benches, cooktop and sinks, and inside or around your cupboards, drawers and pantry. To plan your task lighting, think about the tasks you typically perform in the kitchen such as food preparation, cooking, cleaning and washing up. You should also make sure there is adequate lighting over island benches where you and your family may sit to eat breakfast, read the paper or complete homework. Task lighting can include downlights or pendant lights over benches, and slimline bar lighting under cabinets.
Accent lighting
If you want your kitchen to have some real wow factor, including accent lighting is a must. Used to create visual interest and highlight the best features of your kitchen, there are many clever ways to incorporate accent lighting in your kitchen. From subtle under shelf lighting to directional lights that brighten up a particular feature, well-chosen accent lighting can take your kitchen to the next level, creating a sense of space and style that is memorable for the right reasons.
Ambient lighting
To create a cohesive look and feel in your kitchen, choose ambient lighting that lights the space as a whole and ties it all together. You may opt to make a statement with decorative pendant lights or go for a more minimalist look with downlights or spotlights, or mix it up with a combination of both. It’s a good idea to start by mapping out your task and accent lighting first, then carefully considering where you need additional light and positioning your ambient light there.
Complete your kitchen with the right lighting
Although it may not be the first thing that springs to mind when planning your new kitchen, lighting is an essential design element to get right. Use it to highlight the best features, tie your style together and make the practical tasks easier, and you’ll love your new kitchen so much more.
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