Kitchen makeover necessity: Interior designer's surprising simple suggestion for eternal love towards your kitchen
Creating a kitchen that stands the test of time involves more than just selecting the right color scheme or cabinet design. The secret to a kitchen you'll adore for years? Brilliant, long-lasting lighting!
When I asked designer Marie Flanigan, famed for her timeless kitchen designs, about the crucial element for kitchen longevity, her answer was simple - lighting.
From kitchen ideas to kitchen decor, every design varies based on your space and style. However, according to Marie, the most important aspect of your kitchen design process is the lighting. It dictates how colors read in the room and sets the ambiance for different usages.
"Being intentional with your lighting selections makes all the difference," says Marie. "I always recommend layering different types of light to support everything from cooking to relaxing evenings spent with family."
Lighting is essential, whether it's over larger features or in a smaller kitchen. When chosen well, it acts like a piece of jewelry for the space – functional, beautiful, and a reflection of your personal style.
A well-placed sconce or statement pendant can instantly transform a room from utilitarian to inviting, offering a chance to express your unique style and make even the hardworking spaces feel considered.
If you're new to layering lighting, it's about balancing different types, such as overhead lighting, task lighting, and soft, ambient mood lighting that adds warmth and a cozy feel to the kitchen.
Start with well-placed overhead lighting for function - pendants over an island or recessed lights for general brightness. Then, introduce softer sources like sconces or under-cabinet lights to bring in warmth and dimension. Adding dimmers is one of the simplest ways to instantly elevate the atmosphere and allows you to transition the space throughout the day.
Lighting doesn't just impact the functionality and ambiance of your kitchen. It sets the tone for how the space makes you feel. It's one of those small decisions that truly transforms the experience of the room.
Good lighting never goes out of style. Choose timeless silhouettes in natural materials, such as aged brass or hand-rubbed bronze. Stay away from overly trendy shapes, instead opting for fixtures with clean lines and a sense of craftsmanship.
Designing a kitchen with durable lighting that maintains long-lasting appeal involves careful consideration of materials, lighting types, and aesthetic consistency.
Select materials that are easy to clean and maintain, such as metal and glass. LED strip lights and recessed lighting are ideal for providing energy-efficient, long-lasting, and clean lighting options, often hidden from sight. Pendant lights can blur the line between functional and decorative, perfect for over an island or a more intimate ambiance over a dining nook.
A multi-layered lighting scheme enhances functionality and ambiance. Incorporate ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting to create a truly versatile space that caters to both functional needs and ambiance.
Consider color temperature, CRI, energy efficiency, and smart lighting systems to further elevate your lighting scheme. Choose fixtures with a high CRI for true-to-life color representation and integrate energy-efficient options to save on energy costs.
Lastly, ensure that your lighting choices align with the overall kitchen design. Reflect existing materials and mix them thoughtfully to create a curated look that appeals to you for years to come. With careful planning and attention to key elements, you'll design a kitchen with durable lighting that illuminates both your space and your heart.
In the realm of interior-design, design icon Marie Flanigan emphasizes that lighting is the most crucial aspect in creating a timeless kitchen, one that aligns with your home-and-garden lifestyle. As Marie explains, a well-planned lighting system, encompassing overhead, task, and ambient lighting, transforms the kitchen into a functional yet inviting space that perfectly encapsulates your personal style.
