Tips to Enhance Design Through Better
Lighting
Effective lighting achieves maximum lighting impact without
detracting from the kitchen or bath that’s being illuminated. And
the proper lighting is a primary concern for designers, since it
determines how a project is perceived by a client, as well as how
well the room will work functionally.
According to The Kitchen Idea Book by Joanne Bouknight, from The
Taunton Press, the way a kitchen is lit at any hour of the day or
night makes a tremendous difference in how easy it is to cook,
serve, eat, clean up, and socialize in which is what the client is
really interested in.
Likewise, in the bath, lighting can make a huge difference in
everything from safety issues to grooming tasks to mood. For
instance, lighting placed on either side of the sink, rather than
directly over it, can prevent shadows on the face, while mood
lighting can help create a more spa-like atmosphere.
According to Bouknight, a variety of light sources and controls
will allow for a variety of uses.
Below, Bouknight offers tips, trends and options, for more
effective use of lighting:
- General Lighting provides light for the entire space, from
ceiling-mounted fixtures, recessed-can fixtures, pendant lighting
or even track lighting a handy method of providing task, general or
accent lighting that is coming back into fashion with a variety of
attractive fixtures. Good task lighting may provide enough general
lighting by itself, but it’s advantageous to have more than one
type of fixture. - Task Lighting should provide about three-quarters of the light
in a kitchen. Such lighting works best if it’s positioned in front
of the user, so that the user’s body doesn’t make a shadow over the
workspace. This can best be accomplished by under-cabinet lighting,
which can be low-voltage halogen “puck” lights or track lights.
Using incandescent lighting behind a lip at the outer edge of the
cabinet will minimize glare and better hide the fixture. - Under-cabinet Lighting can be supplemented by recessed-can
ceiling fixtures. A less expensive and cooler way to light a
countertop is by using slimline fluorescent fixtures, with
warm-white bulbs. - Accent Lighting is optional, but it can add drama to a kitchen,
and even serve alone when task and general lighting has been
switched off. Glass-door cabinets are perfect for low-voltage
accent lights. Indirect lighting above wall cabinets can wash the
wall and
ceiling, and be strong enough to provide general
lighting. - Island or Table Lighting can be achieved with general or task
lighting, and is handled by recessed or surface-mounted ceiling
fixtures or by pendant lights. If the pendant light has a
translucent shade or is open at the top, it will add light to the
ceiling.