In kitchen design, lighting is crucial, akin to the essential seasoning in a recipe. Designers emphasize that contemporary fixtures play an artistic role, moving away from traditional designs toward sculptural and intricate pieces. According to Chicago designer Devon Wegman, the focus is on unique designs that serve as visual statements.
Dallas designer Ginger Curtis from Urbanology Designs points out a trend towards experimenting with differing scales of fixtures to create visual impact. Practicality remains vital, with a recommendation to incorporate various lighting sources such as overheads, sconces, and downlights to ensure effective illumination during culinary tasks.
One striking example is a cranberry glass pendant from deVOL, as noted by creative director Helen Parker. This distinctive fixture is crafted with jewel-like colored glass, a difficult material to source, enhancing its desirability.
California designer Mary Patton chose downlight wall sconces that blend with the kitchen's white walls, enhancing the minimalistic natural look, while Muriel Brandolini selected bright, candy-hued industrial pendants for a beach house, ensuring they do not distract from scenic views.
Architect Meghan Kell highlighted the use of soft mauve tones that harmonize with surrounding birch cabinets, achieving a cohesive look without stark contrasts. A long fixture from deVOL effectively illuminates workspace areas, an important consideration when selecting lighting for functionality.
Mike Bader, AIA, emphasizes the importance of varying light sources and task lighting, suggesting the integration of LED strip lighting in cabinets. He also recommends using dimmer switches to adjust light levels, maintaining compatible color temperatures across light sources.
Architect Jim Joseph and composer Scott Frankel incorporated a distinctive copper lantern-inspired fixture that resonates with vintage cabinetry in their New York home. In contrast, David Netto and architect David Hottenroth chose bold black pendant lights to create a striking contrast with their kitchen's white island.
In another example, a pendant by ET2 Contemporary Lighting introduces a lighthearted feel to a North Carolina kitchen, balancing darker cabinetry and adding gentleness against a copper backsplash. Helen Parker notes that chain-suspended wall sconces inspired by historic homes provide abundant light and character when installed in pairs, especially in spaces with high ceilings.
Designer Lauren Lerner advocates for multiple pendants over kitchen islands, suggesting two to three to achieve a harmonious lighting effect, with spacing of about 20 to 30 inches between each fixture. Additionally, Lerner highlighted the potential of outdoor pendants, which can offer a unique aesthetic and glowing ambiance when used indoors.
A retro-inspired fixture reminiscent of billiard lights, designed by Thomas O’Brien, brings a nostalgic touch to a Hamptons kitchen designed by Deborah Perke and O’Brien.
Elizabeth Stamp is a freelance lifestyle and design writer based in Los Angeles, covering various topics from architecture to international travel.
