In many homes, kitchens serve multiple purposes: cooking, dining, and socializing. Each activity requires different lighting, making it essential for kitchen lighting to be adaptable. Robin Standefer, co-founder and principal at Roman and Williams, notes that modern kitchens need to balance brightness for cooking with softer, inviting lighting for meals.
Several interior and lighting designers shared their insights on improving kitchen lighting. One of the simplest methods is to replace your light bulbs. Noele de Leon, senior lighting designer at WeWork, emphasizes the importance of light quality and suggests bulbs with a high color rendering index (CRI) to accurately display colors. She recommends Soraa's Radiant line of LED bulbs for their efficiency and color accuracy.
Adding a dimmer switch can significantly enhance the atmosphere, allowing for easy adjustments between bright task lighting and a cozy ambiance. Stephen Alesch from Roman and Williams highlights this flexibility, while de Leon recommends Lutron dimmers for their effectiveness.
For those interested in smart technology, Lutron's Caseta is a Wi-Fi-enabled dimmer that allows users to schedule lighting based on their routines, adding convenience to meal preparation and dining.
If installation concerns exist—especially in rented spaces—smart plugs can also provide remote control of lighting. Kellie Sirna from Studio 11 Design suggests smart plugs compatible with voice assistants, which simplify light adjustments while cooking or serving.
Standefer stresses that under-cabinet lighting is crucial for enhancing visibility during food preparation. She advocates for warm LED lights that not only illuminate countertops but also elevate the kitchen's aesthetic when paired with overhead fixtures.
When upgrading light fixtures, focus should be on overhead lighting. De Leon suggests using materials like metal or glass, which are easier to clean than fabric or intricate designs. Recommended fixtures include a sleek option from Louis Poulsen and an affordable alternative from Wayfair.
For those looking for more distinctive styles, Standefer and Alesch designed a functional pendant light.
Affordable metal options are also available, and fixtures with a milky glass globe can provide a pleasant diffusion of light.
To create a warmer atmosphere for dining, consider placing candles or smaller lights on the table. This approach, favored by Sirna and Alesch, adds an inviting touch and creates an intimate setting for gatherings. Flameless candles are a safe option that mimics the look of real candles without the fire risk.
