How to Design a Warm and Welcoming Kitchen by Emphasizing Lighting
Deliberate placement of layers of light creates ambiance and mood.
WRJ and JLF kitchen. | Photo: William Abranowicz
The kitchen is the room that is most thought of as the heart of the home. People naturally gravitate toward the kitchen as a place of informality, comfort and hospitality. As kitchen design has evolved, so too has the use of lighting to enhance the space and give it a unique personality with a level above the utilitarian light fixtures found in yesterday’s kitchens. Rush Jenkins, CEO and creative director of WRJ Design based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming gives us his perspective on the myriad ways that lighting can define a kitchen as more than just a workspace.
What Kinds of Functional and Decorative Lighting are Available for the Kitchen?
The overall level of artisanship in the industry has really risen over the past decade. Using decorative lighting as a sort of “jewelry for the home” with sculptural appeal offers enhanced light quality. Exceptional lighting that serves as art while illuminating the space is a great way to add personality and functionality to the room.
WRJ and Kt814 kitchen. | Photo Tuck Fauntleroy
How Does a Home’s Style Influence Lighting Choices?
Whether traditional or modern, look at what will best provide compelling interest to the interior design. Select from lighting choices that are classic and timeless to ensure that what is beautiful now remains so for years to come.
Photo: William Abranowicz
Talk About Lighting Trends. What’s New and What Looks Dated?
If you see homes that are devoid of decorative kitchen lighting and feature 4-inch can fixtures in the ceiling, the home was likely built in the 1990s or early 2000s. To modernize the look, we are seeing portable, rechargeable fixtures that make it easy to add decorative lighting to the counter and the dining table. These can also be taken outside to allow for a more bespoke outdoor living space.
Photo: William Abranowicz
What is Hidden Lighting?
The strip lighting available today can be artfully hidden under upper cabinets creating accent lighting that is a subtle yet significant design element. Layered lighting from multiple sources helps you customize your cooking and dining experience.
WRJ’s HQ Stags Landing kitchen. | Photo: Roger Davies
How Can Layers of Light Create Balance and Mood?
Achieve different layers of light depending on the time of day or night by considering these two factors. First, contemplate the atmosphere of the kitchen for in-kitchen dining. Second, think about the dining space adjacent to the kitchen. In an open-plan space, you don’t want bright lighting to distract from the ambiance of the dining area. Everything should be on a dimmer for a balanced effect to help create beautiful occasions.
