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Design Glittering Kitchen Island Lighting for Functionality and Beauty...

When thinking about kitchen island lighting, the functions that your island will perform is at the heart of it. You will be working at the island, whether it be preparing food, washing up, cooking or simply sitting and talking. And you will want the lighting in the kitchen to be soft and decorative when the kitchen is part of your open-plan living area...

How to have both task and decorative lighting?

Well, you can choose from trendy halogen downlights or spotlights for task lighting. These lights are directed onto the island countertop for close work. They cast a pool of light which is bright and crisp- perfect for food preparation.

As well, you can have beautiful decorative lighting that can be controlled by a dimmer switch for adding ambience and wonderful atmosphere to the general background lighting.

What are the current trends in lighting?

Designers of kitchen island lighting are finding that downlighting continues to be popular. Lights are recessed in the ceiling, and come in various sizes.

Spotlights on a track are trendy - you can configure the tracks as you like to suit your kitchen, and move the lights as you like to highlight different surfaces.

However, this style of lighting is not as effective with a very high ceiling because the pools of light are too diffused.

A trend catching on very quickly in kitchen island lighting is the renewed penchant for 'pendant lighting'. Pendant lights are especially great for kitchen islands because they can hang down as much as you like (ideally about 24 to 30 inches above the countertop of the island), giving pools of light suitable for tasks and dimmed, lovely ambient lighting after work in the kitchen is done.

Pendants are often hung in a row of 3 over the island. Alternatively, you can have a central large one and then a series of mini pendants which looks very attractive.

Pendants come in all sorts of styles and designs. This is where you can either select lights to complement your decor, or contrast with it. It is also where you can inject color into an otherwise neutrally-toned kitchen.

Some ideas to consider:

The overall theme of your whole kitchen and the style and type of lighting throughout.

Where to best position your lighting. Ask a consultant to come and look at your kitchen and give you advice on what to include in your kitchen island lighting designs.

Costs will vary, so hunt around for the lights that will suit your needs and your budget!

Design Glittering Kitchen Island Lighting for Functionality and Beauty...

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