Kitchen lighting trends have come a long way from strictly utilitarian fixtures to modern day accessories chosen to reflect quality, style and design. Like saving the best for last, pendant lighting is the one design element that gives permission to invite drama, glam, and interest. Chandeliers and track lighting run a close second.
Many design elements affect the choice of kitchen lighting. Expect to see kitchen ceilings “reach even greater heights” according to Interior Designer, Romy Danker. With this said, a myriad of lighting options exist today that dare us to live with dark corners, shadowy ceilings or ‘hard to see-in’ kitchen cabinets and drawers.
The lighting industry is fully engaged in educating the public on how to buy light bulbs in the new arena of energy-efficient “Lumens” verses “Watts.” If you’re still struggling with understanding what the big deal is with phasing out the old standard light bulb for a much enhanced energy-efficient replacement take a look at an explanation from LumenNow;
- Watts measures the amount of energy required to light a product
- Lumens measure the amount of light produced-the more lumen in a light bulb, the brighter the light
Lumennow offers great insight and direction for determining which bulb works best for the fixtures in your home that may involve recessed cans, LEDs, CFLs for general, task or accent lighting.
Kitchen lighting as an accessory moves us to island pendant lighting where we can be more creative with light fittings that reflect the owners style in the kitchen. Two to three pendant lighting trends will showcase metal finishes such as copper, mesh, brass and iron. Wood and vintage fixtures offer contrast with modern appliances. Color is being used to create a block affect in the kitchen design.
Kitchen, bath and living/family rooms continue to top the list of interior renovations according to Houzz and Home Report June 2015 and kitchen lighting fixture purchases are made to reflect quality, style and design!
Image Credits: Werner Straube | Brie Williams