Include Task Lighting When Remodeling Your Kitchen

16 August 2008

When you’re planning a kitchen remodel, lighting isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. We get caught up in drooling over those luxury countertops, high end floors, and stainless steel appliances, but it’s important to incorporate good task lighting into the kitchen too.

Since today’s kitchens are frequently larger rooms with higher ceilings, focusing light on work areas is crucial. After all, you want to be able to see if that’s a zucchini or a cucumber you’re slicing up for the dinner salad.

Consider installing task lighting above sinks and food-preparation areas. Choose recessed lights, pendants, track lights, and under-cabinet lights (you want beams that are bright but not harsh), and place them so the light is slightly in front of you as you work (so your body doesn’t cast a shadow).

Use bulbs with a minimum of 100 watts of incandescent light or 40 watts of fluorescent light. You may also want to install dimmers so you can adjust the light levels to create a more relaxing mood when the work is done.