The highest “price tag”You don’t have to worry about gas and groceries. remodel your kitchenThis year. According to the American Lighting Association, just changing the lighting fixtures in the breakfast nook or on the center island can make a significant visual impact. This will create a new, fresher look and is much cheaper than replacing the cabinets and countertops.
You might consider installing a few fixtures if your kitchen’s only source for lighting is from recessed lights. These will serve as focal points and aesthetic elements in the space, and can be used over the informal eating area or the island. Dimmers are an essential update to make your lighting efficient, effective, and as attractive as possible.
“The greatest benefit of installing dimmers in an existing kitchen is that the quality of the resulting light will inevitably appear much more comfortable and flexible than what you had before,”Joe Rey-Barreau is an education consultant for ALA and associate professor at University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design.
Todd Phillips, Quoizel’s leading lighting manufacturer, is always on top of the latest trends in kitchen design. “Transitional is still the operative word,”Phillips. “What’s popular right now is what I would describe as Cleaned Up Americana. This is representative of the classic, familiar shapes and elements we all recognize, but with a bit sleeker appearance and on-trend finishes such as bronze and brushed nickel.”
“Handcrafted, hand-forged designs are also gaining in popularity,”Phillips is still going strong. “The key word is clean. Finishes are still neutral, simple and clean. Along with beige, white, bronze and brushed chrome, I’m starting to see more polished chrome. I also find the more custom designs are a bit bolder in their use of color in the kitchen and in the lighting,”He continues.
For help selecting the most appropriate, efficient and economical decorative lighting for your décor, visit an ALA-member lighting showroom. Visit ALA to find your nearest showroom or learn more about the newest lighting styles. www.AmericanLightingAssoc.comOr call 800-BRIGHT IDEAS (1 800 274 4484).
