In no room is lighting more important than in the kitchen—but it can be difficult to strike the right balance between functional and stylish. Especially as lighting trends are always changing, driven by advances in technology and by fluctuating tastes and preferences. Summer is a good time to take stock and decide if it’s time to jazz things up. Here are some of our tips for creating modern and atmospheric lighting in the kitchen.
LED lighting
LED lighting is the top trend for 2017, particularly for kitchens and bathrooms. The movement from traditional lighting towards LEDs makes perfect sense—when considered over the long term, LEDs are cheaper, more practical, and more environmentally-friendly than incandescent bulbs. Though the upfront cost is higher, they can last up to 25 times longer than conventional lighting. Plus, a price drop may be on the horizon, as more homeowners incorporate LEDs into their homes.
They are also versatile from a design perspective; LED lamps are available in multiple colours, brightnesses, and shapes—so their applications are virtually limitless and you can really let your imagination take over.
Image via Style Curator
If you’re willing to spend a little more, give smart LED bulbs a try. Show off by controlling the lights from your smartphone—the mood of the room will literally be at your fingertips!
Vintage industrial
Another popular trend, which is showing no sign of fading any time soon, is industrial design. Think brick walls, exposed pipes, and metal lamps. This year, however, we’re seeing a move towards a more retro-industrial style.
Vintage Edison-style bulbs are a nod to the industrial trend but with an appealing nostalgic design. Their industrial-inspired filaments provide a soft warm glow, giving them a homey feel which is perfect for the kitchen. If the extreme industrial look isn’t for you and you’re worried about your kitchen looking cold or unfinished, vintage industrial provides a cosier introduction to the style. (LED-friendly models are also available, a bonus!)
Image via eBay
Bigger is better
Open-plan living areas are on the rise, which is making space for statement design pieces in the kitchen. With regards to lighting, oversized pendants are taking over this year. Place these above central areas in the room, such as the kitchen island, to create an instant focal point. And, for an open-plan build, mix and match different statement pendants to set the kitchen apart from the dining area.
Large circular pendants work particularly well with contemporary kitchens, providing a tasteful contrast to the clean-lined look. Chandeliers are also becoming more modern and streamlined; they can add a sense of luxury but without too much frill.
Image via In The New House Designs
The oversized trend doesn’t just apply to ceiling lights, but to table and floor lamps as well—if you’ve got the space, an oversized floor lamp can be an eye-catching addition to your kitchen.
Reflective lighting
Reflective lighting—or, to use the technical term, Reflective Luminaire Manufacturer (RLM) lighting—is another trend which originates from industrial design. RLM lights use downward-facing reflective surfaces to focus light onto specific areas.
Image via House Beautiful
Though originally intended for commercial and industrial buildings, reflective lights are now making their way into the home. Their gentle spotlight effect is a subtle way of accentuating parts of a room. Point these lights towards the centre of the dining table, for example, to draw people towards this central social spot.
Back to basics
Looking for a quick fix? You can’t go wrong with candles! And they aren’t just for winter. Lanterns are a summery way to incorporate candles into your kitchen. Equally, with natural materials becoming more prevalent in the home, wooden candleholders are a nice touch.
Image via Nordic House
Start your kitchen design journey by booking your free design visit.