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-Windows
During the daytime, windows will let in wonderful light and show off landscaping. At night, they become reflective "black holes" unless some thought is given to exterior lighting. Outside lighting will visually expand the interior space into the exterior after dark.
-Sloped Ceilings
Even if there is enough space above a sloped ceiling to install recessed lights, special care must be taken to select lights that don't direct glare into people's eyes.
-Pot Racks
A pot rack may look just perfect over that center island on the plan, but it's extremely difficult to light a work surface through cookware. Consider recessed adjustable lights to cross light the surface, or focus downlight in the center of the rack.
-Door Swings
Make sure that switches are on the unhinged side of a door. Otherwise, you will have to reach around to the back of the door to turn on the lights.
Of course, many aspects of this checklist apply to other rooms in the house, so feel free to refer to the list as you go from area to area.
Lighting Counter Tops for Best Results.
Lighting today's shiny granite, marble and stainless steel counter tops can create blinding glare, if homeowners aren't careful.
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Go into the kitchen and get out your sunglasses. That may be the mantra of homeowners these days, if their counter tops are lit improperly.
Using direct downlighting on a shiny surface can be a problem, because of the glare potential. Indirect lighting of shiny surfaces is preferable.
Mitigating shadows is a concern for non-glare surfaces.
Create shadow-free counters by combining overhead lighting with lights under the cabinets.
Light Where You Work in Kitchens.
Working in a poorly lit part of your kitchen can be downright dangerous. Make a point to light work areas properly.
Can you see what you're doing in every part of your kitchen at night, or during overcast days?
Working in the dark, or in shadows thrown by insufficient lighting, can contribute to kitchen accidents.
Here's how to make sure you are lighting for safety:
- Identify every area of your kitchen where you do work: the sink, different countertops, the island, stovetops, etc.
- After dark, turn on lights in your kitchen and notice whether any of these areas are underlit, or improperly lit. - Determine where you could place lighting that would illuminate these spots.
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Consider These Solutions:
- Undercabinet lighting or recessed canister lighting above countertops,
-Pendant lighting or halogen fixtures for an island
-Small fluorescents over the sink
-Track lighting that could be adjusted to shed extra light over your oven and stove. Your attention to the lighting in your kitchen can prevent accidents and even mistakes in working with ingredients.
Eat-In Kitchens Demand All-Occasion Lighting.
Do you only eat at the table in your kitchen? Most kitchens do double- and triple-duty, so you need a lighting system that can perform multiple tasks.
Eat-in kitchens are often multi-functional: they are the place where kids gather to do homework; families play games; adults do paperwork.
Since lighting needs can vary, depending upon how an eat-in kitchen is being used, you need flexibility in your lighting approach.
Choose dimmable lighting, so you can have brightness when needed, and softer lighting to set the mood for enjoyable meals.
Pendant lights or functional chandeliers are good choices to provide ambient downlighting for dinner and bright light when your table becomes a workspace.
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