Elevate Your Kitchen Lighting Game

From typical apartments, to single-storey or two-storey homes, to the grandest of mansions – the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where you cook your favourite meals, share stories with loved ones and make memories that last a lifetime. So, its important to get the lighting just right – bright enough to see what you’re doing, but cozy enough to feel at home.

Here at Residential Attitudes, we’re all about creating spaces that are comfortable and welcoming. We believe that the little touches, like the right lighting, can make a huge difference in turning a house into a home.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of giving your kitchen the lighting it deserves, and the three accepted types of lighting you need to know about.

In other words, the main source of light in the room, whether it’s the sun shining through your windows, or the lamp on your bedside table. The goal is to get enough light without it feeling like you’re sitting in an interrogation room. Back in the day, people used to rely on a single light bulb in the centre of the room, but let’s be real, that wasn’t cutting it. Workplaces opted for florescent lights to brighten things up, but that’s not exactly the vibe we’re going for at home.

Nowadays, we’ve got more options for ambient lighting. From sleek pendant lamps, to smart bulbs that you can control with your phone, there’s something for every style and budget.

The superhero of lighting when it comes to getting things done. Ambient lighting is great, but sometimes you need a spotlight on what you’re doing. Task lighting is like a trusty sidekick that helps you out when you’re chopping veggies or reading a good book. It’s all about getting up close and personal with whatever you’re working on, because let’s be real – no one likes squinting at a dimly lit workspace.

Think of accent lighting as the cherry on top of your lighting sundae. It’s all about creating a vibe. It’s not really there to light up the room, it’s more about drawing attention to your favourite things. Like that cool piece of art you picked up at the op shop, or the gorgeous backsplash in your kitchen. If you like to entertain, or just appreciate a well-designed space, accent lighting can make a huge impact.

Every kitchen is unique, so not all of the tips mentioned here will apply to every situation. But here are some general principles that apply, whether we are talking about spacious two-storey homes or basement apartments. The key is to think about the three types of lighting – ambient, task and accent and how you can use them together to create the perfect atmosphere. Maybe you want some bright task lighting over the stove so you can see what you’re cooking, but also want some soft ambient lighting to set the mood when you’re entertaining.

The key is to assess your own kitchen and figure out what works best for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to lighting. Get creative and experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect balance.

The kitchen island is the go-to spot for a variety of activities, from furiously finishing homework to applying makeup, and browsing through the newspaper or interior-design catalogues. To make the most of this multi-purpose area, it’s essential to have adequate task lighting above it. And what better way to do it than with modern LED lights? Not only can they be adjusted to direct light exactly where you need it, but they’re also energy efficient and won’t burn a hole in your pocket when the electricity bill arrives.

Strip lights are an excellent addition to any kitchen and provide an easy solution to lighting areas that might otherwise be neglected. They can be installed underneath cabinets to illuminate countertops, creating a bright and inviting workspace for all your cooking needs. Additionally, strip lights can be used to highlight architectural features or add a splash of colour to your kitchen. They are energy efficient and have a long lifespan, making them a cost-effective choice for the long run. So, if you’re looking to create a functional, yet stylish space, strip lights are the way to go.

Strip lights are an excellent addition to any kitchen and provide an easy solution to lighting areas that might otherwise be neglected. They can be installed underneath cabinets to illuminate countertops, creating a bright and inviting workspace for all your cooking needs. Additionally, strip lights can be used to highlight architectural features or add a splash of colour to your kitchen. They are energy efficient and have a long lifespan, making them a cost-effective choice for the long run. So, if you’re looking to create a functional, yet stylish space, strip lights are the way to go.

Versatile, practical and always there when you need them. Floor level lighting brighten up even the darkest corners of your kitchen, like the inside of your cabinets, the top of your fridge, or that one shelf that always seems to be in the shadows. This can be achieved with the strategic placement of some puck lights, or the endlessly practical LED lights. Both are easy to install and won’t break the bank, so you can add them liberally without feeling guilty.