| Lighting design With so many colours, styles and lighting combinations from which to choose, it can be tricky to know where to start. You might love a design, but how will it look in your kitchen? And... |
| Having several sources of lighting in a kitchen allows you to adjust it as needed – an important consideration given that kitchens are often part of an open-plan zone. |
| The kitchen is a dynamic space used for different reasons throughout the day and evening, says Madsen. Someone sitting at the island to read the morning paper can benefit from the excellent illumination... |
| Madsen advises planning the lighting before or during the design of the kitchen, rather than leaving it until the kitchen is complete. “To implement some forms of lighting afterwards would be impossible... |
| Ambience According to interior designer Sophie Seeger, ambient lighting is paramount when choosing kitchen lighting, because it sets the mood of the room and helps you create a welcoming environment in... |
| The Kitchen Broker’s managing director Brian Patterson says there is a difference in the way light can create ambience. “Isolation of light centres can add dramatically to ambience and feel,” he says.... |
| Dimmers allow you to control the intensity of lighting, and the more control you have over lighting the better. Not all lighting types are compatible with dimmers, however – fluorescent lighting, for example.... |
| But should you choose white or yellow-toned light bulbs? If Madsen had to pick between the two, he says he’d choose warm white, which is a soft yellow-toned light. It has a few benefits with only one... |
| Pendant lights Choosing decorative pendant lighting to go over the island can be the most stressful for homeowners because a design can change the whole look and feel of a kitchen. Madsen advises to... |
| But how high should you hang them above the benchtop? “As a general rule, we position the bottom of the pendant 60-70 centimetres above the benchtop surface,” Madsen says. This dimension can change,... |
| As for pendant design, Madsen says it pays to ask yourself these questions: Does the style of lighting match the style of kitchen? Does it pick up any of the colours, materials or texture present in my... |
| Under-cabinet lighting Getting task lighting right is crucial for preparing or cooking food – focused light on work zones will make life easy, but if it’s too bright, casts shadows or isn’t bright enough,... |
| It’s also important to consider whether you prefer white light or warm light for your kitchen. Madsen recommends LED downlights in a warm white because they are efficient, provide excellent illumination,... |
