There are so many different types of lighting that can be used to transform the look of your kitchen during a remodel. We have seen some very stylish lighting trends emerge for kitchens over the last few years, and used many of those trends during a recent kitchen remodel as seen above. Those lighting trends include:
- Under-Cabinet Lights
- Under-Countertop Lights
- Pendant Lights
Direct vs. Indirect Lighting
The trends we incorporated consist of both direct and indirect lighting types. Direct lighting refers to a lighting source that is displayed prominently so that you see exactly where the light is coming from. Indirect lighting refers to a lighting source that is hidden from plain view so that the light seems to come from inside or underneath a piece of furniture or cabinetry. The linear lighting above the island is a direct source that creates an interesting look because it takes two popular lighting concepts – track and pendant – and combines them into one. Because the lights themselves are hung at different levels, it creates a contemporary and even an eclectic look by straying from the usual pendant placement (where lights are hung at the same level). The chandelier is another direct light source that also serves as a focal point for the entire space. The exposed bulbs, glass orbs, structural construction, and bronze finish are all very trendy right now. This type of lighting doubles as a piece of decorative art for the kitchen, while still serving a purpose. Its industrial style is very popular in kitchens today. The indirect lighting used in this kitchen creates an illumination around the cabinets, countertops, and island. The use of above-cabinet, under-cabinet, under-countertop, and toe kick lighting adds a spotlight effect around some of the most interesting elements of the kitchen. For example, the under-countertop lighting o the island highlights the bar chairs and makes them look more inviting. The under-cabinet lighting highlights the backsplash and the above-cabinet lighting highlights the A-framed ceiling. In the glass-front cabinets above the refrigerator, puck-shaped under-cabinet lighting is great for spotlighting whatever you put up there, like heirloom dishes, vases, etc., things you won’t use every day since they’re up so high, but you want to look good. When installing this type of indirect lighting in the kitchen, it provides a perfect opportunity to deploy LED tape lighting. It’s flexible, has a low profile, is easy to install, and there are even varieties where you can control and change the color with a remote or even your smartphone.
Additional Lighting Trends
Other kitchen lighting trends that are not shown in the photo include:
- Wall lamps with adjustable arms that you can draw to you. Here’s an example from Houzz.
- Industrial style lighting with finishes that include brass, bronze, black, and copper. Examples shown below.
This kitchen features indirect lighting over the stovetop and under the cabinet near the refrigerator. Two Savoy House Vintage pendants with highly decorative exposed bulbs in bronze cages take the spotlight over the island.
The dining room table in this industrial loft space is beautified with a Savoy House Darian chandelier, which features rippling smoked water glass shades, a bronze finish and an intriguing spin on chandelier construction.
Drum pendant lights are a very popular way to light a space. The Savoy House Nouvel pendant shown here adds eye-catching and textured industrial style with its combination of latticework, chains, exposed bulbs and bronze finish.
Sleek and stylish Quoizel Emery mini pendants brighten this kitchen with their shining silver finishes and industrial appeal. The Emery hung over the sink helps provide extra directed task lighting for doing the dishes.
Special thanks to LightsOnline.com for their collaboration with us on this blog post. Please visit their website for more great lighting products and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!