Charlotte Blackburn shines a light on kitchen lighting, which looks set to become more versatile as open-plan living takes hold
Lighting is an essential part of every kitchen, as it must offer sufficient illumination to carry out tasks, whilst also being flexible enough to offer variation in moods lighting. Ensuring that lighting is considered right from the start if the design will enhance kitchen aesthetics… and will enable retailers and designers to offer their clients a ‘WOW’ factor on every job.
Looking at LEDs
The most popular type of lighting for the kitchen is LED, which has steadily become the go-to choice for consumers. These light emitting diodes have a multitude of applications and offer designers many options as to how a kitchen will be illuminated. The small recess depth of many LEDs on the market also means that there is more scope for locations of lighting in the kitchen, compared to halogen lighting. And the most popular choice for LED lights is Natural White, which are suitable for both contemporary and traditional schemes. LED lighting is more green, using less energy and with longer lasting lamps. But key for kitchen designers to remember, when designing an LED lighting scheme, is once they need replacing, the entire fitting has to be changed, rather than just a halogen bulb. So more accomplished designers will make LED lighting accessible.
Keep in control
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However, the lamps are only one part of a lighting system and it is controls which are growing in importance. These controls can adjust the colour or brightness, be integrated into part of a wider system, which controls not only kitchen or living space lights, but even music and heating. As they become more commonplace and smart appliances become routine to the consumer, lighting control systems will also become smart and will be able to be controlled from a smart phone or tablet.
The full article appears in the Feburary issue of Kitchens & Bathrooms News