We are seeing most high-end homes using an increase in dark-coloured surface tops with a matt finish. Using dark work surfaces means that additional lighting is required due to the dark ambience created through the dark tones and the reduction in reflectance. This new trend means that lighting no longer needs to be bought with the consideration of glare from glossy work surfaces – the new focus can now be on choosing lighting that accentuates the interior design style to make the home more inviting.
Why use pendant lighting above kitchen islands?
It seems to be trending that in every kitchen there is a pendant lighting feature above. There’s a large variety of lighting styles available, however, pendant lighting tends to be the first choice for most. Pendant lighting offers a stunning centrepiece to enhance the grandeur of the kitchen island. So, not only does it add great lighting to the room providing a well-lit worksurface, it also acts as a centrepiece for excellent decoration during daylight. This lighting style brings charm and a contemporary panache, even if the kitchen has dark-coloured countertops. Pendant lighting can brighten any space with a great glow, that is why this style of lighting is recommended for kitchen islands.
The size of pendant depends on the space available, the pendant above countertops should generally be slightly smaller than the surface below – this ensures the design is in proportion. Depending on the size of the island, sometimes it’s best to go for two separate pendant fittings or perhaps one wide lighting display with several scattered bulbs for even light distribution.
Getting the style right will naturally strengthen the appearance of the interior. Clear glass pendants offer elegance and class, whereas cluster pendant lighting is currently trending and is a staple statement piece. A popular choice for modern homes are industrial-style pendants, due to their excellent lighting and design qualities – especially copper pendants.
Jewellery for the home
It is said that lighting is like jewellery for the home – so dress an interior to impress! Lighting, just like jewellery, should sparkle and shine so what’s better than clear, transparent and crystal-like glass lights that work with any colour scheme.
Many homes don’t have the ceiling height for a grand pendant light, so a flush ceiling light can be the ideal solution. There are so many designs filled with crystal-like glass that will give a room a delicate sparkle as well as maximising light reflected. Wall lighting may also be an excellent alternative, there are so many choices of decorative wall lightings that act as the perfect accessories for a room – the earrings of the room if you like.
The future of lighting
The use of integrated LED light fixtures, especially in kitchens, has become one of the most significant design trends. This lighting technique uses LED bulbs that fit within the most intricate or simple designs to produce modern futuristic lighting arrangements for the home. LED lighting can be integrated into modern home renovations including: glass box extensions/glass roofs (lighting can be included within the underside of the structural glass beams supporting the roof structure), the steps of modern staircases and even outdoor patio roofs (such as a pergoda).
Another futuristic element of home lighting that is becoming increasingly popular, is the introduction of smart home automation technology around the home – both indoors and outdoors. Smart home technology systems provide an unparalleled luxury element to controlling electrical devices within the home, customised to the individual requirements of the occupants. Automated lighting can also potentially reduce utility bills by allowing homeowners to intelligently control when and where light comes on and adjust the brightness – thus helping to regulate the overall energy usage as well as creating the desired ambience within the home.
Brightening your entertainment space
Home media rooms and cinema rooms are also on the rise within modern homes and finding the right lighting for this kind of living space can be difficult. How can you create the right atmosphere while not producing too much light that could glare off home cinema screens and distract from the entertainment? Adjustable lighting is the perfect solution for this kind of living environment as the light can be dimmed to minimise glare and shadows while offering sufficient lighting for varying activities.
This room is undoubtedly one of the most used rooms in homes for entertaining family and friends. LED strip lighting can be fixed into the ceiling of this room in combination with LED spotlights. The spotlights can be dimmed or completely turned off while the strip lighting around the ceiling edges can be dimmed to offer a small amount of light that isn’t intrusive to the entertainment activity.
There’s a lot of choice out there when it comes to choosing lighting, so consider the room you are lighting, the interior decoration and the existing furniture items that may be situated beneath the light fixture (a dining table or kitchen island).