Importance of a well lit kitchen
Kitchen Lighting is often the most over-looked aspect while designing the kitchen. A few factors need to be taken into account when designing the kitchen lighting. First set yourself a reasonable budget before going ahead with the lighting plan.
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| Kitchen Lighting |
Eliminate errors and analyze the kitchen size
There are essentially 3 types of kitchen lighting: Task Lighting, Ambient Lighting and Accent Lighting. A careful analysis of the kitchen size is essential to determine the kind of fixtures and lighting required in different kitchen areas. The key is to blend and mix the right type of lighting (Task, Ambient and Accent) at strategic areas to improve functionality and enhance the mood of the kitchen.
Carefully create a balanced go and blend for a layered look
Accent Lighting:
Accent Lighting is generally used to emphasize the architectural features of the kitchen as well as lend the ideal dimension and depth to a kitchen. Even over cabinet lighting or recess lighting accentuates the feel good factors of a kitchen.
There are essentially 3 types of kitchen lighting: Task Lighting, Ambient Lighting and Accent Lighting. A careful analysis of the kitchen size is essential to determine the kind of fixtures and lighting required in different kitchen areas. Accent Lighting is generally used to emphasize the architectural features of the kitchen as well as lend the ideal dimension and depth to a kitchen. Even over cabinet lighting or recess lighting accentuates the feel good factors of a kitchen. A lighting designer may also be very helpful in delivering the required effects as he would first carefully study the kitchen layout (such as natural light, ceiling height, finishing of the surface etc) and design the lighting accordingly.
Task Lighting
Task Lighting is a directed beam of light that illuminates the work areas of the kitchen. Under cabinets lights too are a great option to install task lighting as besides offering great functionality; it can significantly enhance and emphasize the features of the kitchen. The island tops and kitchen counters need to be well illuminated with task lighting.
Research, Plan and then Implement
Planning ahead can save the homemaker a few dollars as well as get the right lighting effect within a stipulated budget. A lighting designer may also be very helpful in delivering the required effects as he would first carefully study the kitchen layout (such as natural light, ceiling height, finishing of the surface etc) and design the lighting accordingly. This should lighten up the kitchen enough to get all your culinary tasks done in a jiffy.
Ambient Lighting:
It serves as a functional lighting and aids in maneuvering and moving around the kitchen safely. If the kitchen cabinets are built or placed half way through the ceiling; the extra space can serve as an ideal spot for ambient lighting.
Dimmers:
Installing dimmers is a significant factor that needs to be taken into account for kitchen lighting.; dimmers create the right balance required in kitchen lighting. Separate dimmers for each lighting type would be ideal: Accent, Task and Ambient.