Everyone says the kitchen is the heart of the home, and we all seem to be spending more time there, and not just for cooking. Kitchen islands are getting bigger and becoming informal dining areas, and with a larger work surface we’re doing more than preparing a meal. It only makes sense that people are trying to make bolder statements in their kitchens and a great way to add decorative and functional elements is through great lighting. Here we’ll dive into five trends in kitchen lighting.
1) Industrial Pendant Light Fixtures
Industrial pendants are still a timeless element above kitchen islands. With stainless steel still being all the rage in kitchen appliances and sinks, a more industrial look fits right in to most styles for a functional and decorative light over the kitchen. They look great in a rustic farmhouse, a traditional kitchen as well as a contemporary style. Some of the fixtures below have customization options to select different colors for the metal shades. Have fun and add a pop of color to coordinate with your backsplash, or go bold with black or white. When selecting an island pendant, make sure you determine a finished height that is high enough to allow for leaning over the countertop while preparing foods, or so you can see a guest sitting at a dining stool across from you as you work without the pendant interfering. Typically this is about 30-36” above the countertop height. If you have a extra long island you might want to opt for a single linear fixture rather than multiples of single pendants. If you think you need more than 3 pendants consider 1 larger fixture!
Some of my favorites:
Malplaquet Double light pendant from the Urban Electric Company
Henry Industrial Hanging Light from Circa Lighting
Belden Linear Lantern, also from Circa
2) An Old World Flair
Kitchens are a great place to add a touch of an “old world” feel. Retro styled modern appliances, handmade ceramic backsplash tile, bronze metal finishes and cast-iron cook ware can all lend an easy way to add an “old world” touch to your style. These island lights have a refined sense of charm and work well in traditional style kitchens with painted cabinets or stained wood finishes. Make sure any kitchen lighting you select has glass or metal shades and fittings and avoid fabric or paper shades that can easily be ruined with kitchen grease, steam or other liquids. I love these:
Carlyn Double from the Urban Electric Company
Gibson pendant from Urban Electric Co.
A pair of Sloane Single Shop Lights shine over an island
Goodman Petite Hanging Shades from Circa Lighting
3) Globe Style Pendants
Glass globe pendants have been reinterpreted in many ways. They are flexible and timeless and can work with a large range of styles. The iconic Hicks pendants have been around for ages, but are still a classic look. Opt for a fixture that has mixed metal finishes to add an extra detail. Mix things up with clear, white or seeded glass options, if you have clear or seeded glass opt for a funky Edison style bulb (there are so many great shapes, filament designs and even LED options!). Fun metal details and different takes on the glass shapes have allowed these fixtures to evolve and stay fresh. Check these out:
A pair of Hicks Large Pendants from Circa
Katie Acorn Pendants from Circa
The dramatic Globus pendants from Urban Electric Co. add flair even when they’re off!
4) Contemporary Fixtures
Dramatic contemporary kitchens have been all the rage. All white cabinets with sleek doors, high gloss finishes, and beautiful bold veined marble. The cherry on top of all that drama is a bold light fixture that is a work of art above a central island. These fixtures can also be playful in a farmhouse setting. Play with dramatic colors, or keep things sleek with all white or black. Brass and gunmetal finishes can also bring in a level of funk and fashion. An oversized deep island can handle some of these more sculptural pieces. A few I like:
Precision Large Pendant from Circa
The Ellisse Pendant Double from Nemo is an LED available in a variety of finishes
Articulated joints in this Agnes Chandelier by Roll & Roll allow it to be arranged in a multitude of ways.
5) Flush Mount and Sconce Lighting
More and more often flush mounts and task light sconces are making an appearance in kitchens. Flush mounts and task lighting are being used above sinks to dress up this part of the room instead of a more typical recessed light. Or in other spaces some are opting to ditch the recessed lights altogether for a few strategically placed flush mount lights. These can be a fun way to add a little bit more decoration and charm to the heart of your home. These lights do not need to match the island lighting or come from the same collection of lights. Keep everything cohesive by using the same finish, or in the same general style (industrial, contemporary, glass, metal etc). If selecting a light with a metal shade make sure it has a high enough wattage to provide ample light to work with, or has enough natural and ambient light to supplement. No one wants to work in a dark kitchen! Check these out:
The Punch light, mounted flush, from Urban Electric Co.
The Soleil Semi-Flush light from Circa (along with a map of the world) give you a reason to look up!
The Metro light from Urban Electric Co. is super-versatile.
Need help with switching out some light fixtures? We have licensed and insured electricians to get the job done. Give us a call!
Katie Canfield is the founder and principal designer at Studio KC. Studio KC got its humble start in 2015 when Katie was just 23 years old. While she was freelancing with other interior designers in the NY and CT area she also became a go-to designer for local contractors and trades that needed a designer’s help for their clients whether it be for custom cabinetry drawings or plans for a gut renovation on an entire home.
Katie Canfield’s design aesthetic is eclectic and flexible. She delights in the marriage between old and new- keeping spaces approachable but still matching each client’s unique aesthetic and family narrative. Her passion for design keeps her motivated and constantly on the hunt for new trends and materials. Her broad experience includes an art history background, study at the Accademia Italiana in Florence, a stint with the renowned Manhattan firm Amanda Nisbet Design, as well as collaborations with builders and designers across the tri-state area. She’s seen it all: from gutting prewar Manhattan apartments to new construction in the ‘burbs.