Lighting is an essential but often overlooked element of kitchen design. Quality lights help you see what you're doing when handling sharp knives and hot cookware. They also affect the room's ambiance and appearance. Below are some tips to help you choose the right lighting for your new home build or kitchen remodeling project.

3 Kitchen Design Tips for Effective Lighting

1. Illuminate Food Preparation

You need proper illumination to read recipes clearly and handle knives and other sharp objects safely. Choose light fixtures for food prep areas based on their location. For instance, hang a suspended fixture over the kitchen island, mount fluorescent lights above counters, and utilize spotlights to brighten dark corners.

2. Install Dining & Work Lights

Whether you have a table, a breakfast nook, or a countertop with stools, remember to flood the area with plenty of light. Hang a pendant light or small chandelier, if appropriate, or install track lighting if it's near enough to the wall.

If you prefer to eat in dimmer, more intimate surroundings, install an adjustable dimmer switch. You can lower the levels during meals but boost illumination if you wish to pay bills or the kids need a place to finish their homework.

3. Remember Accent Lighting

Accent lighting lets you highlight attractive kitchen design features like crown molding, woodwork, or a glass cabinet display. Spotlights let you direct the beam wherever you choose, while track lighting allows you to adjust fixtures horizontally, vertically, and radially and gives you a wealth of placement options.

A professional kitchen design can make your renovated space as cozy and functional as possible. For ideas, contact Spyglass Design, Inc. in Hopewell, NJ. They’ve served clients in Mercer County since 1995. They specialize in luxury kitchen remodeling, including custom cabinets, countertops, and lighting. View a gallery of their work on their website, or call (609) 466-7900 to discuss kitchen design solutions with a professional.