The home’s kitchen is activity central. To look its best and function well, all areas need to be properly lit. A common mistake is relying on one ceiling-mounted fixture to illuminate the entire room. Every kitchen lighting plan should incorporate the following four types of lighting:
Also called general lighting, ambient lighting provides the kitchen’s overall illumination. It is meant to create a comfortable brightness level, welcoming friends and family into the room and enabling you to move around safely. Examples of general lighting include ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures and recessed or track lights that direct light downwards.
Task lighting is targeted to a particular area and helps you perform a specific task such as meal preparation, paperwork or hobbies. Recessed lights mounted on the underside of upper cabinets illuminate countertops. Pendant lighting fixtures are a great choice for over a kitchen table or island.
Also called highlighting, accent lighting uses concentrated light to draw attention to a particular area. Accent lighting is often created using track, recessed or wall-mounted fixtures to spotlight art, collectibles or architectural features.
Decorative lighting goes beyond function and adds personality to the kitchen. For example, chandeliers can set the theme for the entire room’s décor. The possibilities for decorative lighting are as vast as your imagination.
Consider wiring lighting fixtures separately and including dimmers when possible to allow you to vary the light level as needed. When cooking, cleaning or reading, bright light makes the task easier. Dimmed light can add depth and ambiance to your space, and dimming is an easy way to save energy costs.
The proper combination of lighting makes your kitchen aesthetically pleasing and functional. A professional designer will study the room’s layout and elements of the design such as ceiling height, natural light and surface finishes to determine the best types and placement of fixtures for your kitchen.
In conclusion, no single light source can provide all of the necessary light for a kitchen. A well-lit kitchen combines the four different types of lighting. Separate dimmers ensure the correct amount of light for each task and occasion. An experienced designer knows the latest lighting trends, technology and options, and can help create a kitchen lighting plan for your needs and design.
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Industry Experience: Starting in 2008, I have been in the construction and remodeling industry in multiple capacities: project coordination, management, design, and sales. I have been with HKB since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: I greatly enjoy getting to know our customers and being a part of their kitchen and bath transformations. It’s an honor to be a trusted partner and see the impact that our team's hard work has on someone’s home.
Fun Fact About You: I’ve tap danced nearly my whole life and have been awarded national recognition. I’ve also recently added dance instructor to my tap experience by teaching and choreographing locally for the last two years.
Industry Experience: I have been in the business as a designer and sales person since 1986, and I have been with HKB since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: To be challenged to create something the homeowner never expected and absolutely loves!
Fun Fact About You: Enjoys golfing, playing poker, and cigars!
Industry Experience: Since entering the kitchen & bath industry in 1988, I have worked in all aspects of the industry including manufacturing, design/sales, representing independent manufacturers, and owning a retail kitchen & bath showroom. I have been working with or employed by Harrisburg Kitchen & Bath since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: Helping customers make their dream spaces come to life! Especially enjoy working with older homes from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fun Fact About You: I enjoy traveling to other parts of the world. Most recently visited Australia in 2019. I have been to all continents except Antarctica! Next on my bucket list.
Industry Experience: My father has run his own construction company since 1992, and because of this I have been involved in the remodeling industry nearly my whole life. I’ve been with HKB since 2018.
Favorite Part of Your Job: I truly love helping people – whether by keeping things organized behind the scenes, ensuring we have everything we need for each project, or assisting with creative problem-solving. It brings me so much joy to be part of such a great team who are passionate about improving people’s lives by reimagining their living spaces!!
Fun Fact About You: I’m a self-published author, a self-taught artist, and a gigantic Star Wars nerd.