Are you ready for a makeover? Many homeowners make resolutions to improve their homes and themselves in the new year. The kitchen is where most homeowners focus their attention when it comes to home renovations.
According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), kitchen lighting choices are influenced heavily by trends in appliances and finishes.
The trend in kitchen design is toward the modern side. Jeff Dross, corporate director of education and industry trends for Kichler Lighting, explains that homeowners with previously traditional taste are looking for more transitional products, while transitional homeowners are moving toward a soft contemporary décor.
Many people who have soft contemporary furniture are now looking for a more modern solution.
Countertops and Impact Lighting: Granite is still used in entry-level and mid-level homes. However, quartz-based countertops are most commonly used in high-end homes. Most of these countertops come in a matte finish. This can also be called suede, leathered, honed, or leathered. The matte-finish trend makes it easier to provide sufficient illumination for kitchens without creating glare from glossy countertops, which have been very popular in the last decade.
Dark Appliances require more light: While black stainless appliances can be aesthetically pleasing, it also creates a need for extra light. “Black stainless has lower reflectance than white or stainless steel appliances, making the room appear darker,”Dross. “The trend toward more involved backsplash materials makes lighting even more important.”
Taller Ceilings imply taller fixtures: In the last 15 years, ceiling heights increased with 9 feet now being the minimum acceptable height. North American homes now have ceilings that are 10-12 feet high. This means that taller sconces, and taller chandeliers, are required to fill the extra space.
“In addition to taller ceilings, center islands are now substantially bigger than in the past,”Dross. “That means the tiny, mini-pendants that were all the rage a few years ago are disappearing. Kitchens demand larger, taller pendants.”
It is a good idea to create a lighting plan before you start a kitchen remodel. This will ensure that your fixtures are the right size for your space. A professional lighting consultant can help you create a plan, and offer the latest lighting styles and technology. You can find a list online of nearby ALA shops. americanlightingassoc.com.
