Remodeling Your Kitchen 101: How To Tackle This Major Home Improvement Project (Part 2 - Lighting)

In part 2 of this blog series, we’re going to cover everything lighting when tackling a kitchen remodeling project. If you haven’t read part 1, be sure to check it out here - Part 1

So where do you start? To begin, the single ceiling light in the kitchen just won't cut it anymore. Why it was OK 40 years ago is hard to understand.

A combination of recessed can lights and under cabinet lights are preferred with possibly pendant accent lights over a table, peninsula or island.

The can lights spread the light evenly around the kitchen while the under cabinet lights put the light in front of you in the work area.

Next tip? Choose a trim for the recessed cans that keep the bulb near the ceiling surface so it will provide more horizontal spread and provide a brighter overall room.

LED lighting is preferred today. It provides a low cost of operation, very little heat build-up and long life bulbs. Keep the color of the light consistent. Most people will find that warm white (3000K) or daylight (4000K) will provide desirable lighting. 5000K bulbs will tend to wash out colors.

Low voltage under cabinet LED lighting is ideal. The light bars are only 3/8” thick and come in varying lengths to fit under most wall cabinets. An outlet is installed inside a wall cabinet, then a 12v or 24v driver is plugged in to feed the lights. You can connect lights end to end. Switching can be done on select lights or using a remote dimmer you can program varying combinations of lights to work together.

If you’re remodeling your kitchen, a combination of recessed can lights and under cabinet lights are preferred. Now that you know how to tackle the lighting with your kitchen remodeling project, stayed tuned for part 3 of this blog post as we discuss flooring. As always, contact the kitchen remodelers you can trust at Allen Kitchen & Bath today if you are interested in having your kitchen remodeled.