Are you planning a kitchen renovation but haven’t thought about the lighting? Now’s the time to do it.
In this article, we’ll discuss why lighting is important in a kitchen, what you need to consider when developing a lighting plan for your kitchen and how the team at Builders Discount Warehouse can help you.
Why Kitchen Lighting is So Important
The kitchen is fast becoming a multifunctional space within the home. And it’s for this reason that the lighting is so integral to your design or kitchen renovation. It needs to be adaptable to how you use your kitchen in order to be beneficial.
What to Be Aware of When Developing a Kitchen Lighting Plan
There are a number of considerations you need to make when developing the right lighting plan for your kitchen. Here, we’ll talk about some of the most important, and how they impact the choices you make.
How You Use Your Kitchen
How you use your kitchen is one of the most important things you need to consider when designing your kitchen lighting. If you just use your kitchen for cooking and meal preparation, you will need to light it accordingly, with the appropriate downlights or spotlights.
But, when your kitchen has more than one function – for instance, if it’s used as both your meal preparation area and your dining space – you may benefit from a completely different lighting plan.
Your Kitchen Design
Regardless of whether you’re installing a completely new kitchen or simply upgrading your current lighting situation and keeping your existing kitchen design, your existing design is something you need to keep in mind.
You should consider what works for you in the current layout, what doesn’t work and the changes you would make if you could … because this is the time you actually can.
The Electricals
Not only do you need to think of how you want the lighting design to work, and how it’s affected by your kitchen design, you also need to take into account how your electrical system is installed.
For instance, if you need to move things around in your roof in order to make your preferred lighting plan work, you may want to consider alternatives.
You also need to arrange for a qualified electrician to install the lighting, as this is not something you can do without training, nor is it something your kitchen designer may be able to assist with (though they can certainly assist with design elements).
Plan accordingly, and don’t forget to factor in the additional cost when working out your budget.
Natural Versus Artificial Lighting
Does your kitchen get plenty of natural light or is it reliant entirely on the electricity you have in your house? Access to natural light, how much and when will no doubt help determine the type of lighting you need, and where it needs to be placed.
When You Use Your Kitchen
Like natural lighting, the time of day (or night) you use your kitchen will influence your lighting plan and the type of lighting you need in order to work efficiently and safely.
Statement Lighting
Do you want your lighting to make a statement? While lighting may be considered one of the more practical things to incorporate into your kitchen design, it can also be fun.
Think about whether you’re happy with overhead lighting, lamps or downlights for increased functionality, or if you want to make an impact with pendant lights and under cabinet lighting.
The Type of Light You Need
You may not realise it, but there are certain types of lighting that are better suited to different applications.
Cold lighting is often preferred for preparation areas, where you complete tasks like chopping up vegetables and washing up. But warm lighting is preferred in areas that are more communal, like the dining or homework area.
How Builders Discount Warehouse Can Help
At Builders Discount Warehouse, we’re experts in interior design and helping our clients develop a kitchen that is functional yet aesthetically pleasing. While we don’t always have access to the electrical supplies you’ll need to execute your design, we can assist you come up with a plan you’ll love for years to come.
Let us help create a kitchen lighting plan that’s beautiful yet functional. Contact us today for more information or to get started.
