A inflammation expert share must - sleep with wind for designing a functional kitchen .

John Merkl

The right kindling is one of the most important element ofkitchen design . It needs to ply enough illumination for a variety of task in multiple orbit , while also adding a stylish touch and complementing the overall elbow room intention . To help you get yourkitchen lightingjust right , Kerry Cochran , senior merchandise coach for Lumens , shares three steps to follow for a functional — and beautiful — blank .

Kitchen lantern pendant lighting

Credit:John Merkl

Whether you ’re simply brush up your quad or planning a full remodel , implement these three expert - recommendedlighting tipsto create a perfectly lighted kitchen .

Read McKendree

1. Use the Principle of Three-Level Lighting

" Themodern kitchenserves more than one design , which ask a measured combination of undertaking , ambient , and accent lighting , " Cochran say . While striking the right balance can be a challenge , she apportion how you may create layers using the principle of three - grade lighting . " A combination of severally - controlled ambient kindling , task lighting , and accent lighting makes for an idealistic blend of function and aesthetics , and help make a unruffled conversion from daytime to night , " Cochran says .

John Granen

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Styles and Materials

People often get caught up in make a matching lighting scheme , but Cochran says there is no hard and dissolute formula that says you need match all your kitchen light habitue . " In fact , some of the most well - designed kitchens incorporate a heedful mix of both style and fabric , " she says . Do n’t be afraid ofmixing metallic element , because it can in reality make a space experience more layered and dynamic , as long as they ’re completing in tone .

" For example , pairing a warm - toned plaque or Cu with a cool - tone unstained steel or chrome can make a room peach , while two different alloy that are alike in tone , like atomic number 28 and chrome , will collide , " Cochran says . As a general rule of pollex , she urge beat to two to three different finishes to stave off the kitchen feel disjointed and sloppy .

Elizabeth Howard

Industrial-style kitchen pendant lighting

Credit:Read McKendree

3. Add Personality Through Light Fixtures

lightness fixtures offer up a outstanding opportunity to infuse personality into your kitchen . Cochran compares choosing kitchen fall to sum up jewelry to an outfit . " It should reflect your personality and style , and complement your outfit — the kitchen — without overwhelming it or competing for attention , " she says .

Focus on functional lighting first , such astrack lightingover a kitchen island . Then , total in decorative piece , like a flashy pendant lightness or colorfulwall sconce .

a black pendant light that looks like upside down black bowls over a kitchen and a wooden island

Credit:John Granen

golden pendant lamp sheathed in gold over a sink

Credit:Elizabeth Howard