1. MATCH YOUR LIGHT TO YOUR CABINETRY STYLE FOR A STREAMLINED LOOK
If you want a look that creates visual harmony, one important small kitchen idea is to think of your kitchen lighting as an extension of your kitchen cabinetry design.
2. CHOOSE AN OVERSIZED TASK LIGHT AS A KITCHEN FOCAL POINT
In a small kitchen, it is important not to make it look too busy and cluttered and there is lots of expert advice on how to get the best out of a small kitchen. One good tip is to pare back the design and let one piece do all the talking. In this French townhouse, the oversized Lampe de Marseille from Le Corbusier is the star of the show in this simple black steel kitchen by VIPP.
3. PLAY WITH A SMALLER SCALE TO ACHIEVE A MORE DELICATE LOOK
While there is much to be said about large statement pendant lighting, a cluster of small delicate pendants can have more of a decorative, colorful effect and soften the harder elements of the kitchen.
4. USE TRACK LIGHTING TO FOCUS ON WHAT IS MOST NEEDED
It is understandable to be more attracted to the more decorative side of small kitchen lighting — it is an opportunity to show our personality and flair, after all. But it is also important to keep an eye on the functional side, which is why interior designer Irene Gunter chose track lighting for this London kitchen.
5. HIGHLIGHT AN ISLAND WITH A FINISH THAT MATCHES YOUR HARDWARE
As it often serves as the main area for food preparation, an island needs to be well-lit, particularly in its center. Keeping the lighting finishes in line with the brassware is an easy way to get a cohesive look.
6. ZONE YOUR LIGHTING TO HELP DEFINE THE SPACE
‘If the kitchen is part of a larger space, go for task lighting in the kitchen area and mood lighting in the social space – think about how to zone different areas,’ advises Allison Lynch, senior design consultant at Roundhouse.
7. USE THE GOOD QUALITY CONCEALED LIGHTING TO ENHANCE YOUR KITCHEN CABINETRY
Lighting inside your cabinets has the obvious functional element of being able to help you find what you are looking for and is a great kitchen storage idea. It is a beautiful way of highlighting curated crockery and treasured pieces. When it comes to concealed lighting, however, the color quality is key according to Jack Trench, founder of the bespoke kitchen and furniture brand.
8. ILLUMINATE SURFACES TO ADD TEXTURE TO YOUR KITCHEN DESIGN
If you fit your lighting close to natural surfaces, it will play on light and shadow and help enhance various elements like texture and patination which is a useful kitchen countertop idea. This will bring the materials to life and add movement to a kitchen design.
9. USE YOUR LIGHTING FINISH AS PART OF YOUR KITCHEN ACCENT
A well-chosen light can be an eye-catching accent, whether it is because of its colour or finish. In this black and white kitchen, with its striking dark island created by Caesarstone, the simple monochrome scheme is punctuated with flashes of brass. This is seen through the cabinetry to the stool legs and complemented by the sculptural light.
10. ADD MINIMAL LIGHTING TO HIGHLIGHT KEY WORK ZONES
For a simple but impactful look, use pared-back lighting to focus on the key working areas. ‘If there’s a hob on the island the lights should sit behind the hob on the seating side or either side of the hob as its task lighting,’ says Allison Lynch, senior design consultant at Roundhouse.