Remember the days when the standard procedure
for lighting a kitchen or bath was to hang one lonely fixture
from the middle of the ceiling? You would always be working in
your own shadow. Later, recessed can lights installed around the
ceiling perimeter became the solution. These lights brightened
the room in general, but the kitchen countertop remained sadly
in the dark.
Today you can think outside the box and be creative. There is a whole wealth of lighting options out there from which to choose. Lighting designers take into consideration the function of the lighting, whether it be general room ambience, specific task lighting, accent lighting, or special effect lighting. A well-balanced room needs a combination of all these.
In the kitchen, it is important to provide bright, concentrated light for work spaces such as the food preparation surfaces or sink. Installing recessed task lighting directly above these areas is one way to provide proper illumination for the activities to be performed there. However, the exclusive use of recessed lights can appear monotonous. Track lights suspended from the ceiling are an eye appealing option, and have the advantage of being adjustable for specific task needs. Selecting decorative pendants for certain areas, such as over an island or bar, adds excitement to the room. Low-voltage linear lighting under cabinets brightens up the dark corners of countertops or, placed inside glass-doored cabinets, brings attention to decorative items displayed inside. Use adjustable accent lights to highlight artwork in other parts of the room.
In the bathroom, ample
lighting is necessary for safety as well as function. Given the
current trend for spacious bathrooms, it is especially important
to install multiple fixtures throughout the room. Consider placing
a recessed shower light in the shower itself, and a heat lamp
directly outside. Recessed fixtures above the whirlpool accent
the bathing area and help avoid accidents. Downlighting at the
stool provides greater visibility for reading. And since there
never seems to be enough light at the vanity for grooming tasks,
decorative fixtures can be supplemented with recessed downlights
in the soffit.
With the multitude of fixtures in today's kitchens and baths, adding programmed lighting controls is definitely a wise option. You can program your lights to illuminate only the specific task areas being used at any one time. This not only simplifies your life, but it is energy efficient and economical as well.
Lighting your kitchen and bath should never be an afterthought. It is very important to plan ahead, so that each room not only shines with a pleasant ambience, setting the mood for your day to day living, but at the same time satisfies your desire for bright task light right where you need it.