If your cabinets have a considerable amount of space above them, you may also consider lighting
above them. This will dramatically enhance the perceived size of the kitchen. Although over
cabinet lighting will provide some ambient light, typically it serves as an accent only and
isn’t a replacement for primary overhead fixtures.
Pendants and Chandeliers
Consider your dining area carefully before choosing fixtures. If this dining area will only
be used for eating with friends and family, attractive pendants using non-directional light
bulbs (ambient pendants) will be the ideal choice to create an intimate dining space. Modern
low voltage pendants are suspended on thin, almost invisible cords that may be trimmed to any
length desired when they are installed. Consider hanging two or three pendants at various
heights over the table to break up the space.
If your dining area will serve as eating area, homework area and occasional home office, you
should instead opt for pendants that use directional lamps (MR16s are a popular, common choice.)
These pendants, creatively referred to as ‘downlight pendants’, shine a more intense, focused
light on the space immediately below them. Place these pendants on a dimmer to easily transform
your dining area back to homework area as needed.
Recessed Fixtures
Consider recessed fixtures when illuminating the space under a sofit (such as a bar or
peninsula) or in a tight corner or alcove. Recessed fixtures are an inexpensive way to
produce rich, usable task lighting on any surface. They are especially practical over
the primary sink and cleanup area since these areas are often not illuminated by
under cabinet lighting.
Unfortunately, installation of recessed lighting in anything other
than new construction is non-trivial and will likely require the services of an electrician
and contractor.
Kitchen lighting is often the most difficult in a home. With a little planning, your
kitchen lighting will be inviting and soothing as well as functional. Dress the kitchen
with layers of light and cook up the right mood.
| 
