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Top 10 Lighting Ideas for Your Kitchen Remodel

April 5th, 2024 | 4 min read

By Christine Gauthier

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Are you tired of dull and inefficient lighting in your kitchen? Do you struggle with finding the right balance between functionality and ambiance?

Whether you're cooking, entertaining, or sharing a meal, good kitchen lighting is crucial for a warm and practical space. Yet, with so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start.

At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we know how vital great kitchen lighting is. With 15 years of remodeling experience, we've helped many homeowners enhance their kitchens with smart lighting ideas.

In this article, we'll explore the top kitchen lighting ideas to inspire your next remodeling project:

  1. Layered Lighting for Versatility
  2. Pendant Lights for Style and Function
  3. Under-Cabinet Lighting for Task Illumination
  4. Recessed Lighting for a Sleek Look
  5. Statement Chandeliers for Elegance
  6. Natural Light for Warmth and Well-Being
  7. Track Lighting for Flexibility
  8. Cabinet Lighting for Accentuation
  9. Cove Lighting for Subtle Ambiance
  10. Smart Lighting for Convenience

1. Layered Lighting for Versatility

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Incorporate layered lighting to illuminate your kitchen like a pro. This method uses different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—to create a balanced and practical space.

Ambient lighting adds to the atmosphere of the space. Task lighting targets work areas like countertops and stovetops. Accent lighting adds depth and highlights architectural features or decor elements.

You can adjust the ambiance according to your activities and mood by layering these lighting types.

2. Pendant Lights for Style and Function

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Pendant lights are popular for adding design flair and personality to kitchen spaces.

Hang these lights from the ceiling in different styles and finishes to match your kitchen's look. Install pendant lights over islands, dining spots, or counters for focused light and added style. Choose adjustable pendants for flexibility in directing light where it's needed most.

3. Under-Cabinet Lighting for Task Illumination

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Brighten your workspace and make food preparation a breeze with under-cabinet lighting. These lights go under upper cabinets, shining light on counters and backsplashes. LED strips save energy and give even light.

You can dim them for different tasks and moods. Under-cabinet lights make cooking and cleaning easier and improve the appearance of your kitchen.

4. Recessed Lighting for a Sleek Look

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For a sleek and streamlined lighting solution, consider recessed lighting. Recessed lights (or downlights) are installed in the ceiling, giving a clean look. Position recessed lights to illuminate the kitchen without overpowering natural light sources.

5. Statement Chandeliers for Elegance

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Make a bold statement and infuse your kitchen elegantly with a stunning chandelier. Whether your kitchen style is traditional, modern, or eclectic, there's a chandelier to suit every taste and decor theme.

Hang a chandelier above a kitchen island, dining table, or breakfast nook to anchor the space and add a touch of glamour. Opt for dimmable chandeliers to control light intensity and set the mood for intimate dinners or festive gatherings.

6. Natural Light for Warmth and Well-Being

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Don't underestimate the power of natural light in enhancing your kitchen's ambiance and livability. Maximize daylight by incorporating large windows, skylights, or glass doors into your kitchen design.

Natural light brightens the space and promotes a sense of well-being, connecting you with the outdoors and enhancing your mood. Consider window treatments like sheer curtains or blinds to control glare and privacy while allowing ample sunlight to filter in.

7. Track Lighting for Flexibility

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PC: The Home Depot

Enhance flexibility and versatility in your kitchen lighting design with track lighting. Track lights are fixtures on a track that you can move around. You can install them on the ceiling or above islands to light up specific areas like countertops or sinks.

8. Cabinet Lighting for Accentuation

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PC: CliqStudios

Highlight the beauty of your cabinetry and add visual interest to your kitchen with cabinet lighting. Install LED strip lights or puck lights inside glass-front cabinets, open shelving, or display niches to showcase decorative dishes, glassware, or collectibles.

Cabinet lighting adds a warm and inviting glow to your kitchen and enhances functionality by making it easier to find items and navigate the space. Choose warm or cool white LEDs to complement your kitchen's color scheme and ambiance.

9. Cove Lighting for Subtle Ambiance

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PC: DesignCafe

Create a soft and inviting ambiance in your kitchen with cove lighting. Cove lights are installed in recesses or ledges along the perimeter of the ceiling, casting a gentle glow upwards and illuminating the ceiling and surrounding walls.

This indirect lighting technique adds depth and warmth to the space while minimizing harsh shadows and glare. Use dimmable LED strips or rope lights to adjust the intensity of cove lighting and create a cozy atmosphere for intimate gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

10. Smart Lighting for Convenience

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Embrace the convenience and efficiency of smart technology in your kitchen. Smart lighting systems allow you to control your kitchen lights remotely via smartphone apps, voice commands, or programmable timers. Create custom lighting scenes for different activities such as cooking, dining, or entertaining, and adjust brightness levels to suit your preferences.

With smart dimmer switches, color-changing LEDs, and motion sensors, you can enhance your kitchen's energy savings, security, and comfort while enjoying the latest home automation technology.

Next Steps to Remodeling Your Kitchen

If you've been struggling with inadequate lighting in your kitchen, you're not alone. Many homeowners struggle to find the right balance between functionality and ambiance in this essential space.

With the top kitchen lighting ideas we've shared, you have a wealth of inspiration to transform your kitchen into a well-lit and inviting environment.

As a remodeling expert with over 15 years of experience, Custom Built Design & Remodeling is here to help you bring your kitchen lighting vision to life. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

Ready to illuminate your kitchen with style and functionality? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward transforming your kitchen into the heart of your home. With our expertise and your vision, the possibilities are endless!

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Now that you know more about popular lighting ideas for your kitchen remodel, let’s explore design ideas you to include in your project, how much your project will cost, and how long it’ll take to finish with Custom Built:

Christine Gauthier