If your kitchen doesn't live up to your expectations of an inviting, warm and cozy space, it may be due to your lighting. Recessed lighting is incredibly common, whether you live in a small apartment or a sprawling home – but designers say bulbs in your ceiling can ruin the cozy and homey feel you're after.
“'Bad' recessed lighting is as common today as it was ten years ago,” says Cyndy Cantley, owner of Alabama-based design firm Cantley & Company. She says single-color ceiling lights can cast harsh shadows and don't offer flexibility to play with the brightness and color in your space. The good news is that even if you, as a tenant, aren't happy with the lighting your landlord has chosen, there are easy ways to make your space cozier and less bright through lighting alone – here's how to do it.
1. Think about your light bulbs
Simply replacing your light bulbs can make a big difference. “Light bulb technology has come a long way,” Cantley says. “LED lighting is available in a variety of color temperature options and can be dimmed to 1% or less.” Even the size of your light bulb can change the feel of the room. She likes that a small, flangeless LED bulb “creates a clean-looking ceiling with incredible lighting that can completely transform a room.”
Matthew Coates, owner of architectural firm Coates Design, never uses cool-toned bulbs, which he says can “give the room a cool and clinical feel.” Instead, he recommends warm white bulbs with a color temperature of up to 3,000K. Just make sure to keep things consistent. “A common mistake I often see is when people mix light temperatures in the same room – this is a big no-no and can quickly ruin the atmosphere,” he says.
2. Layer your lights
Coates considers the overall function of a room when planning lighting. “The kitchen is not only a place for cooking, but can often also be used as a social meeting place where people come together,” he says. “For times like this, flexibility in lighting is essential.” This is best achieved by combining or layering different types of lighting in the room. And that doesn't necessarily have to mean a complete kitchen renovation: “Adding a little accent lighting—like soft LED strips or a small countertop lamp—can add charm and personality to the space,” says Coates.
Switching to dimmers is another low-effort way to regain control of your lighting, especially if you're married to (or stuck with) recessed lighting. “Imagine having only one volume on your TV… that doesn't make much sense, does it?” Coates says. You can easily replace standard light switches with inexpensive dimmer switches. This Philips Hue smart dimmer switch has a remote control so you can change the mood in your room without getting up from the couch.
Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch with Remote Control
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Under cabinet lighting is another simple addition that creates warm layers of light throughout your space. According to Coates, “Reflective surfaces like glossy tiles can also help reflect light, making the kitchen appear brighter and larger.” Installing under-cabinet lighting is typically quick and inexpensive. Philips Hue indoor LED light strips are simply glued in place and can be cut to fit any room. The color-changing lights suit every mood and are controlled via app or voice assistant. If you prefer individual lights, try these Brilliant Evolution LED Light Pucks or GE Wireless LED Puck Lights, which are stick-on, battery-powered discs that light up with a touch.
Brilliant Evolution Tap Light Push Lights
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Wall and pendant lights add another level of lighting and create an inviting space. Depending on your kitchen layout, Cantley likes to add wall sconces or a pendant light above either the kitchen island or the kitchen table (but never both, as it can look hectic!).
By selectively lighting your kitchen on multiple levels, you have the lighting you need to complete culinary tasks and the control to turn down the brightness for an intimate meal. A few well-placed light bulbs can transform your kitchen from a sterile atmosphere to the welcoming centerpiece of your home.
What do you think of these lighting mistakes and expert tricks? Let us know in the comments below!
This post originally appeared on The Kitchn. See it there: This “dying-out” kitchen trend will make your home feel a lot less cozy, designers say
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