Lighting is an important element of kitchen remodeling. It will determine where your contractor needs to include wiring and how you want to set up your space, so you’ll need to create your plan before any construction starts. Use the guide below to know how to create a functional and attractive lighting plan for the heart of your home.

Kitchen Remodeling Guide to Lighting

Types of Lighting to Use

Your lighting plan should include layers of different types of lighting; use a mixture of ambient, task, and accent lighting. This will allow you to have a functional and bright space for working, then adjust the lighting to create a mood when you host gatherings. Start with ambient, or overall, lighting which is often recessed bulbs in the ceiling.

Task lighting focuses on specific workspaces, so they are well-lit without shadows. Many homeowners use under-cabinet LED strips to illuminate countertops, and consider pendant lighting above any kitchen islands. Accent lighting should be added to the plan last, as it’s not necessarily functional, but creates a dramatic effect. This could include lighting inside a glass front cabinet to highlight china or glassware, or some uplighting directed toward a piece of artwork.

How to Choose Fixtures

The fixtures you select will impact the overall aesthetic of the kitchen, so choose them carefully. Determine what your kitchen remodeling design style is and choose a fixture that unifies the theme. For example, if you want wood cabinetry paired with dark metal finishes, choose dark metal pendants that match the hardware.

Choose pendants or chandeliers that fit the room; too small will seem underwhelming while too large will make the space feel crowded. To determine the ideal size, measure the length and width of the room in feet. Add them together, and your ideal fixture diameter is this number in inches. For example, a 10- by 8-foot space combines into 18 feet, so the light fixture should be 18 inches in diameter. There should also be at least 32 inches of space between the bottom of a fixture and the counter or tabletop, so people don’t hit their heads on it.

When you’re ready to illuminate your dream kitchen, trust the job to Better Built Homes by Bob Hafermann in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. The home building and remodeling contractors at this locally owned and operated company have been serving the area for more than 60 years. They keep up with the latest home remodeling and design trends to help you create a functional and modern space. They will focus on perfection in every last detail, down to the lighting. Learn more online, and call (715) 423-4478 to discuss your kitchen remodeling project.