Pro Panel: 9 Modern Kitchen Lighting Ideas
Planning a new kitchen? Three design experts reveal the latest must-know lighting looks for contemporary cooking spaces
Georgia Madden
18 March 2020
A well-lit kitchen delivers on both style and functionality – we’ve asked three lighting and design experts to reveal the brightest looks of the moment and how best to use them in your cooking space.
- 1. Slender lines
- Sleek, linear pendants are having a moment, says Adele Locke, lighting designer at Mint Lighting Design. “People are looking for lights that are minimalist and unobtrusive. Think a sleek pendant over a kitchen island that gently spreads light up to the ceiling and down to the bench,” she says.
This look works particularly well in busy kitchens, she says. “When there’s a lot going on in a room, the less visual clutter you have on the ceiling, the better.”
Image by Justin Cooper
2. Big + bold
At the other end of the style spectrum, statement pendants are still proving popular, says Locke. “The kitchen island has taken over from the dining table as the key feature lighting location – particularly in open-plan rooms,” she says.
“People want individuality; they’re working with lighting designers to create truly bespoke lights for their kitchens,” says Maria Cerne, principal at Studio Black Interiors.
2. Big + bold
At the other end of the style spectrum, statement pendants are still proving popular, says Locke. “The kitchen island has taken over from the dining table as the key feature lighting location – particularly in open-plan rooms,” she says.
“People want individuality; they’re working with lighting designers to create truly bespoke lights for their kitchens,” says Maria Cerne, principal at Studio Black Interiors.
3. Striking finishes
“A unique light fixture can completely transform your kitchen,” says Cerne. “Geometric and organic shapes, beading and metallic finishes are all big for 2020.”
“Hanging a group of decorative pendants is a great way to add interest to your kitchen and soften the harsh lines,” says Celina Clarke, lighting designer at ISM Objects.
Need a hand? Find a local lighting designer and supplier on Houzz who can help you set the perfect mood for cooking and entertaining
“A unique light fixture can completely transform your kitchen,” says Cerne. “Geometric and organic shapes, beading and metallic finishes are all big for 2020.”
“Hanging a group of decorative pendants is a great way to add interest to your kitchen and soften the harsh lines,” says Celina Clarke, lighting designer at ISM Objects.
Need a hand? Find a local lighting designer and supplier on Houzz who can help you set the perfect mood for cooking and entertaining
4. Lighting inside joinery
Practical and appealing, fully functional joinery lighting is something we can expect to see more of, says Locke. “Integrating lighting into kitchen joinery allows your cupboards to act the same way as a fridge, where the lights switch on as soon as you open the door. This means you don’t need as much lighting in the ceiling,” says Locke.
Practical and appealing, fully functional joinery lighting is something we can expect to see more of, says Locke. “Integrating lighting into kitchen joinery allows your cupboards to act the same way as a fridge, where the lights switch on as soon as you open the door. This means you don’t need as much lighting in the ceiling,” says Locke.
5. Soft, concealed lighting
Harsh lighting is out, while gentle, concealed illumination is in, says Locke. “Discreet and diffuse light hidden in the ceiling and/or bulkheads is a magical way to light a kitchen, and it keeps your ceiling clean and uncluttered.”
Positive Vibrations: How to Choose Lighting for Optimal Wellbeing
Harsh lighting is out, while gentle, concealed illumination is in, says Locke. “Discreet and diffuse light hidden in the ceiling and/or bulkheads is a magical way to light a kitchen, and it keeps your ceiling clean and uncluttered.”
Positive Vibrations: How to Choose Lighting for Optimal Wellbeing
6. Asymmetrical positioning
Forget the middle of the kitchen island – the latest pendants are resolutely off-centre, says Locke. The result? Lighting that provides a gentle wash of illumination not just to the benchtop, but into neighbouring dining and living spaces too. “Choosing a dramatic, statement light and hanging it asymmetrically over your island allows you to transform the way your open-plan living area looks and feels after dark,” says Locke.
Forget the middle of the kitchen island – the latest pendants are resolutely off-centre, says Locke. The result? Lighting that provides a gentle wash of illumination not just to the benchtop, but into neighbouring dining and living spaces too. “Choosing a dramatic, statement light and hanging it asymmetrically over your island allows you to transform the way your open-plan living area looks and feels after dark,” says Locke.
7. Connectivity
“Smart lighting is becoming easier and more commonplace in kitchens,” says Locke. Cerne concurs, adding; “You can turn your lights on and off in different rooms with a simple voice command, as well as adjust light strength and colour temperature from your phone.” Smart lighting has made significant leaps in recent years.
“The biggest advantage is scene setting: smart lighting allows you to transform a room at the flick of a switch into different modes, such as cook, party or chill modes,” says Locke. “As well as the many hard-wired options available, you can now find simple plug-and-play systems too, which give you total control over your lighting from your smart phone.”
The Verdict: 5 Smart-Home Ideas Worth Adopting
“Smart lighting is becoming easier and more commonplace in kitchens,” says Locke. Cerne concurs, adding; “You can turn your lights on and off in different rooms with a simple voice command, as well as adjust light strength and colour temperature from your phone.” Smart lighting has made significant leaps in recent years.
“The biggest advantage is scene setting: smart lighting allows you to transform a room at the flick of a switch into different modes, such as cook, party or chill modes,” says Locke. “As well as the many hard-wired options available, you can now find simple plug-and-play systems too, which give you total control over your lighting from your smart phone.”
The Verdict: 5 Smart-Home Ideas Worth Adopting
8. LED strips
Today’s kitchen designers are using versatile, concealed LED strip lights to up the luxe factor in kitchens, says Clarke. “They’re a simple addition, but can really add a sense of luxury to the space,” she says.
“As LED strips can be used almost anywhere, they’re very practical too,” says Cerne. “Add them to the underside of your overhead cabinetry to softly illuminate your benchtops. Or, use them on open shelves to showcase beautiful glassware or dinnerware. Alternatively, make your kitchen island appear to float by putting them in the gap between the island and floor,” she says.
But while it’s tempting to light multiple features, Clarke urges people to be discerning. “Just use restraint and resist the urge to light everything,” she says.
Today’s kitchen designers are using versatile, concealed LED strip lights to up the luxe factor in kitchens, says Clarke. “They’re a simple addition, but can really add a sense of luxury to the space,” she says.
“As LED strips can be used almost anywhere, they’re very practical too,” says Cerne. “Add them to the underside of your overhead cabinetry to softly illuminate your benchtops. Or, use them on open shelves to showcase beautiful glassware or dinnerware. Alternatively, make your kitchen island appear to float by putting them in the gap between the island and floor,” she says.
But while it’s tempting to light multiple features, Clarke urges people to be discerning. “Just use restraint and resist the urge to light everything,” she says.
9. Maximum flexibility
Rather than an ill-considered grid of spotlights on the ceiling, the latest trends favour tailored lighting that provides task illumination exactly where you need it, says Locke. “Think focused light over the benchtop with different switching options that allow you to change lighting levels and mood, depending on how you’re using the kitchen,” she says.
“With the rise of open-plan kitchen/living/dining rooms, lighting is also being used to zone spaces and highlight architectural features,” says Cerne. “We’re also seeing fixtures of the same material or colour being used in the kitchen and adjoining spaces to create a sense of flow between the different areas.”
Rather than an ill-considered grid of spotlights on the ceiling, the latest trends favour tailored lighting that provides task illumination exactly where you need it, says Locke. “Think focused light over the benchtop with different switching options that allow you to change lighting levels and mood, depending on how you’re using the kitchen,” she says.
“With the rise of open-plan kitchen/living/dining rooms, lighting is also being used to zone spaces and highlight architectural features,” says Cerne. “We’re also seeing fixtures of the same material or colour being used in the kitchen and adjoining spaces to create a sense of flow between the different areas.”
“When planning your kitchen lighting, think beyond cooking and consider exactly how you use the space,” says Clarke. “Add in additional switches and dimmers so you can alter the atmosphere, and choose lighting with warm colour temperatures of 2700K or 3000K.”
Your turn
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story and save the images for inspiration. Go on, join the renovation conversation.
More
Want more on kitchens? Don’t miss 3 Great Small Kitchens… and How They Did It
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story and save the images for inspiration. Go on, join the renovation conversation.
More
Want more on kitchens? Don’t miss 3 Great Small Kitchens… and How They Did It
Related Stories
Most Popular
Renovation Insight: How to Choose a Kitchen Designer
The right designer can bring your dream kitchen to life – three kitchen designers reveal where to look and what to ask
Full Story
Kitchen Expert Advice
7 Common Kitchen Design Challenges & How Experts Get Around Them
From bad layouts to poor storage, here are seven issues pros come up against (and overcome) in clients' kitchen renos
Full Story
Kitchens
A Good Fit: 10 Questions to Ask a Potential Kitchen Designer
By lwkkitchens
A good designer knows which questions to ask about your kitchen project. But what should you ask them before you sign?
Full Story
Most Popular
8 Dos and Don'ts for a Well-Functioning Butler's Pantry
Having a little help behind the scenes is key to a pristine kitchen – here's how to create a functional butler's pantry
Full Story
Most Popular
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
By Anne Ellard
Discover the correctly proportioned kitchen island bench dimensions so your space works as well as it can
Full Story
Kitchen Renovations
10 Times You Should Hire a Kitchen Designer
These specialists can solve layout issues, save costs, update an older space and create custom design details
Full Story
Popular Houzz Series
How Practical Is... Handleless Joinery?
Handleless joinery is popular in modern homes. But how suitable are cupboards that can only be opened with a touch?
Full Story
Renovation Guides
Room by Room: Experts on Ways to Avoid Common Renovation Blunders
From the kitchen to the garden, and all areas in between, experts identify common mistakes and share priceless insights
Full Story
Most Popular
From Planning to Pendants: Kitchen Lighting Essentials
By Joanna Tovia
This valuable guide will give you all you need to know about choosing kitchen lighting for fabulous form and function
Full Story
Kitchen Renovations
A Kitchen That Uses Special Elements to Punch Above Its Weight
This couple wanted a well-designed kitchen that incorporated their pre-bought furniture; this designer delivered
Full Story
Thank you for this story on lighting. I love all the options that are available today. My son, who is an electrician, has advised me to stick with LED lighting as it is very economical over the long term. As for style of lighting I am going for something that will stand the test of time. Nothing too outlandish just beautiful shades that will still be fashionable in 20 years’ time. Having said that I want lights that are a feature in themselves. There is nothing more beautiful than gorgeous lights over the island or dining room table.
For all NZ based Houzzers catching up on recent email newsletters while you're staying home to save lives during the Covid-19 lockdown ... if you've just read this great summary of lighting trends and options for kitchens, the FIT team would love to endorse the positives of LED lighting; energy efficiency and also versatility with strips, spotlights and feature lights being available.
If you're looking at LED lighting for your kitchen, check out the DOMUS Line™ range which is designed in Italy and, of course, meets all Aus/NZ standards.
The range includes a number of LED strip options, including super flexible SE H4 which can go around tight corners and is ideal for wardrobes, pantries ... even creative installations. Check out our Houzz project here.
Maybe you want to add task lighting, focussed on work areas? (Great idea!) Our range includes LED spotlights for recessed installation or add straight or angled spacers for surface mounting and light direction. Check out Atom spotlight here.
Want something that's practical but also stunning? X-Sign LED feature light from DOMUS Line™ is for you. There's flat and 90° angled models - check them out here.
We have a variety of stylish profiles for LED strip too, enabling you to install recessed in a channel, or surface mounted under cabinets. There's even the lovely Goccia, which is a combined hanging rail and LED strip profile; brilliant for wardrobes, hall cupboards and even in the laundry! Find out more here.
You can see FIT's entire DOMUS Line™ LED lighting range on our website here.