Modern Kitchen Lighting Pendant And Ceiling Fixture Ideas
People love to shine in most aspects of their home lives. More times than not, that place to shine is the kitchen. When we end up with extra time spent in our homes, those “I’ll get to it at some point” projects become far more pressing. Have you been wanting to bring a fresh look to your space? Do you wish you had more task lighting over your kitchen counters? Bringing that much needed change to your kitchen is typically on that list. Lighting is one of the less expensive and least intrusive ways to get it checked off. From island task lighting to countertop illumination, these modern kitchen lighting pendant and ceiling fixture ideas can help your space shine in a new light.
The Heart And Soul Of Home Life
The kitchen is typically one of the most important spaces in our homes. Aside from the main living space, chances are you spend a large chuck of your home-bound waking hours here. It is only natural to want it to look its best. When your kitchen looks and feels good then preparing everything from a quick snack to a full-fledged Sunday dinner a much more pleasant experience. Along with proper storage, lighting can make a drastic difference in not only how comfortable your kitchen feels, but how well it performs in its intended function.
Proper lighting is an important aspect in the design of any space, even more so in the kitchen. Sure, you need to see well enough to not maim yourself, but you also want the lighting to set the right mood. There are diverse types of lighting fixtures to suit the various levels you need for both comfortable and function. There are the three basic types of lighting situations you are most likely to find in your kitchen. They are ambient, task, and accent lighting.
The Heart And Soul Of Home Life
The kitchen is typically one of the most important spaces in our homes. Aside from the main living space, chances are you spend a large chuck of your home-bound waking hours here. It is only natural to want it to look its best. When your kitchen looks and feels good then preparing everything from a quick snack to a full-fledged Sunday dinner a much more pleasant experience. Along with proper storage, lighting can make a drastic difference in not only how comfortable your kitchen feels, but how well it performs in its intended function.
Proper lighting is an important aspect in the design of any space, even more so in the kitchen. Sure, you need to see well enough to not maim yourself, but you also want the lighting to set the right mood. There are diverse types of lighting fixtures to suit the various levels you need for both comfortable and function. There are the three basic types of lighting situations you are most likely to find in your kitchen. They are ambient, task, and accent lighting.
The Trinity Of Simplicity
Also called general lighting, ambient is the type of light that illuminates the entire space. Reaching into the cracks and crevices with an amount of light that is good enough to preform most basic tasks. In the kitchen this type of lighting typically comes from overhead via ceiling mounted or recessed fixtures. Consider installing this type of lighting with a dimmer. It will allow for various levels to accommodate different purposes and times of day.
Task lighting is more focused than ambient. Task lighting comes in handy when more light is required to perform a specific task. In the kitchen this can be the light found in several places. It is in your range hood, under-cabinet strip lighting, or narrowly focused pendant lights hung directly over the counters. If the light is kept focused where it is needed, then the sky is the limit on how decorative you can be with it.
Accent lighting is the kind of lighting that is purely for ambiance. You will use this lighting to highlight decorative features in your space and use differing colors and tints to set a specific mood. You will not be utilizing this style of lighting for anything other than your pure enjoyment of the room so here is where your decorative flair can really shine.
Not Exactly The Jetsons, But Close…
Among the trendier design styles is Modern. When boiled down to its constituent aspects, modern design is one that embraces clean and crisp lines. It uses typically “hard” elements such as metal and glass. A minimalist color pallet and approach to decorative embellishments dominates. The overarching theme here is minimalism. It is sleek, simple, and uncluttered.
- Out In The Open: The open design concept lends itself well to modern design and has become exceedingly popular for kitchens. It is an excellent choice to show that space off.
- Minimalism Reigns Supreme: Modern design shines the spotlight on the function of the space which means each piece in it needs to have one. Items in the space need to have a low profile and preform a job otherwise it is just clutter.
- Keep It Natural: From the base color pallet to the furnishings, go for neutral and natural. Furnishings should feature natural wood, leather, or linens. Metal, such as stainless steel, are optimal for accents, fixtures, and appliances.
- Sharp And In Focus: Clean, straight lines are the name of the game here. With its uncluttered open concept, modern designs keep the eye flowing with the help of uncomplicated and uninterrupted vertical and horizontal lines.
- Break Up The Monotony: While the foundational color scheme should be neutral and natural, the eye still needs a bit of flavor. Incorporate this with minimally and carefully placed décor or lighting pieces that use bold colors. These accents keep the space interesting without disrupting the modern feel.
Not Exactly The Jetsons, But Close…
Among the trendier design styles is Modern. When boiled down to its constituent aspects, modern design is one that embraces clean and crisp lines. It uses typically “hard” elements such as metal and glass. A minimalist color pallet and approach to decorative embellishments dominates. The overarching theme here is minimalism. It is sleek, simple, and uncluttered.
- Out In The Open: The open design concept lends itself well to modern design and has become exceedingly popular for kitchens. It is an excellent choice to show that space off.
- Minimalism Reigns Supreme: Modern design shines the spotlight on the function of the space which means each piece in it needs to have one. Items in the space need to have a low profile and preform a job otherwise it is just clutter.
- Keep It Natural: From the base color pallet to the furnishings, go for neutral and natural. Furnishings should feature natural wood, leather, or linens. Metal, such as stainless steel, are optimal for accents, fixtures, and appliances.
- Sharp And In Focus: Clean, straight lines are the name of the game here. With its uncluttered open concept, modern designs keep the eye flowing with the help of uncomplicated and uninterrupted vertical and horizontal lines.
- Break Up The Monotony: While the foundational color scheme should be neutral and natural, the eye still needs a bit of flavor. Incorporate this with minimally and carefully placed décor or lighting pieces that use bold colors. These accents keep the space interesting without disrupting the modern feel.
No Need To Go Cross-Eyed!
There are design styles out there similar enough to cause confusion between them. The modern style is no different. Often, modern design has been confused with contemporary. While they do share similar aspects, they are indeed two distinct design styles. While both follow a more minimalist philosophy than other styles, traditional for example, contemporary is more forgiving with features and embellishments than modern is. Here is a non-exhaustive breakdown of some differences between the styles.
Modern Design
- Stricter adherence to minimalist ideals is key.
- Functional décor has more importance than frivolous or sentimentality.
- Neutral, natural colors are more dominant.
- Clean, crisp, strong lines are clear and distinct with stark corners and intersections.
- Modern artistic trends are easily adapted however the foundation clearly lies in the first half of the 20th century.
Contemporary
- Being more forgiving with adherence to minimalist ideals lead to more variations in the style.
- Ornamental décor has more importance.
- Bright and contrasting colors are more prominent.
- Soft curves often break up the stark corners and intersections of clean lines.
- The latest trends are always foremost in this design style.
Overhead Illumination
You need light in your kitchen but let us face it, we all not all blessed with an abundance of natural light and, even then, the sun will set eventually. Overhead lighting can bring just the right level of ambient light to your space. Enhance that light by pairing it up with a dimmer to provide the right amount of light for the right time and mood. Check out these modern kitchen lighting ceiling fixture ideas.
Island Illumination
Kitchen islands provide the perfect solution for open concept kitchens to give everyone a space to be and not be in each other’s way. They also present the perfect opportunity to bring in specialized accent lighting. Give your island the illumination it needs and enhance the artistic flare of your design at the same time with these modern kitchen lighting fixture ideas.
Pendant Illumination
Whether it is for your counter tops, your kitchen island, or even just an eat in nook or bistro table, pendant light fixtures can be the perfect solution. They are versatile enough to provide a soft elegance to your informal kitchen meal or put the light where needed for the task at hand. There is an endless choice of pendant lighting fixtures which guarantees that there is one out there that is prefect for your kitchen. Here are a few modern kitchen lighting pendant fixture ideas.
BONUS! Wall Illumination
Nobody said that your kitchen lights all had to be for working. All work and no play can make for a dull home kitchen! Have you been wondering what to do with that blank wall? Why not brighten up the space with a bit of lighted wall art. It will bring much-desired interest into your space and give your guests something to talk about.
Now You’ve Seen The Light!
The kitchen can be one of the more difficult rooms to get right. Giving your kitchen a new, fresh look does not have to involve major construction and the excessive costs that go along with it. Doing something as simple as just changing your light fixtures can make a world of difference at a fraction of the cost. Once you determine your balance of ambient, task, and accent lighting it will be easy for you to move forward with finding the right style of fixture for your kitchen. Having the right level of lighting where and when you need it will make everything you do here an experience you will look forward to. You have seen some great modern kitchen lighting pendant and ceiling fixture ideas. Now it is time for you to put them into action.
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