Food is a common denominator that brings people together, whether in a kitchen or a dining room. That is why we have featured these two rooms in this blog on dining and kitchen lighting to create the perfect ambiance for your meal preparation and enjoyment.
Kitchen Lighting
Whether your kitchen is small or large, overhead (ambient) lighting is crucial. Kitchen ceiling lights should never be an afterthought but are essential when planning a remodel of your kitchen. Recessed ceiling lights are beneficial for the entire space as they can distribute light evenly throughout the room. Track lighting is another excellent option for illuminating your work area.
Pendant lights work great over a long counter or kitchen island. These fixtures should hang approximately 35 to 40 inches above the countertop. 70 to 80 lumens are ideal per square foot for preparation areas. You can go with 30 to 40 lumens per square foot in all other areas of the kitchen.
Kitchen island lighting is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. Layering your kitchen light fixtures in this way brightens the space and gives the room dimension.
Under-cabinet lighting is beneficial for work areas, such as food prep countertops. The last thing you want is to cut food on a dark counter where you cannot see what you are doing. Do not forget task-specific lighting for the stove and sink.
You may also want to consider interior lighting to highlight glass-front and open cabinets. These lights make an excellent way to showcase your dishes and stemware.
If you have an eat-in kitchen, you may want to add a small chandelier above the table, as shown in the photo above. Another option is pendant lighting, using one oversize pendant over the table for a striking effect. You can see how a variety of kitchen lighting fixtures come together to create a warm and inviting space.
Dining Room Lighting
As we move from kitchen lighting to dining room lighting ideas, one thing is crucial – dining room lighting makes a statement. It can enhance your overall design scheme or stand out like a sore thumb. The right choice will set the perfect mood for having an intimate dinner for two or a grand dinner party for a house full of guests.
Chandeliers are typically the first thing people think of when looking for dining room light fixtures. They are often an excellent choice. However, today, you can think outside the box and select from many other statement-making options.
In the photo below, you see how we use hanging pendants as dining room lights, and the striking effect they make. Dimmer switches for lights can also alter the mood in the room.
Dining room chandeliers can consist of a single lighting fixture, or multiple lights, as shown in the photo below.
The crystal chandelier below is an example of the elegance that crystal can bring to a room.
Another option in modern chandeliers is the combination of crystal with another element, as shown in the photo below. That way, you get the best of both worlds while creating a beautiful visual effect in your dining room. As you can see, the image is enhanced by the wall sconces.
For more dining room and kitchen lighting ideas, as well as lighting other rooms in your home, check out our blog “Inspired Lighting Ideas for Every Room in Your Home.”
Call HK Interiors today at 954-401-8542 to learn more about how we can help enhance the beauty of your home.