It appears that almost every new home or kitchen remodel these days has that one item your kitchen can’t live without – an island.
While these must-have additions provide a great space to prep food and double as a spot to eat or serve as an extra buffet table when entertaining, they are the most perplexing when it comes to lighting. Slim yet stylish in nature, the ubiquitous pendant can do it all – provide illumination for kitchen tasks, accent a certain area or when put on a dimmer, set the mood for dining.
When selecting a pendant, for kitchen island lighting, think of placing them as a trio if space permits. Use dimmable, energy-efficient bulbs and as a general rule of thumb, hang them 30-36” above the island. Be sure that they do not block your view or hang too low as to hit someone in the head and last but not least, think about style! The basics of style, proportion, color, intensity of the bulb and whether its task or accent lighting always apply. And remember, the larger the area, the larger the fixture.
Here are a few pendants from Gabby that provide panache, make a statement and give new meaning to form over function:
Inspired by the shape of a vintage dress, Patti Gosch of Georgia’s Outrageous Interiors used a trio of Lucia Pendant Chandeliers in this casual dining area. Designed with burlap and iron, it would also make a show-stopping piece as a single in the foyer or entrance hall.
Modern meets classic drum shade with this Milly Pendant Chandelier and it’s versatile enough to go with just about any contemporary or transitional style kitchen.
The mix of Lucite and brass of the Jaya Pendant makes for both a vintage and contemporary look in your kitchen.
And while you are designing your kitchen or rethinking an update of your lighting plan, be sure to pay attention to the breakfast “nook” and/or adjacent dining room (if visible from the kitchen). The “nook” (and I am not at all sure how it got that name) can benefit from one spectacular fixture that lights up a cozy space and makes an immediate impact. Keep in mind that they do not have to match shape wise but using fixtures in the same color/material family is usually a good idea and the name of the game is coordination. When choosing fixtures for these coordinate areas, be sure to take into account that only one can be front and center in terms of size and prominence. Think simple pendants for the kitchen and a “show-stopping” piece for the dining room or breakfast nook and it’s a recipe for success.
And look to the professionals for advice. Orange County interior designer Becki Owens advises, “When choosing lighting for kitchen, consider options that will make a statement. Scale is key. Whether it’s pendants over a kitchen island or a pretty chandelier over a breakfast nook, I like to pick large scale lights. They make a space look bright and fresh and give it a wow factor. Beautiful lighting is like eye candy when you walk into a room.”
Morgan Thompson of Morgan Thompson Interiors in Franklin, Tennessee added the Corinna Chandelier to this light and airy soft gray and white toned dining room that was both and offset anchored with a dark floor.
Whatever you decide to choose, remember that a light fixture is one of the best ways to make in instant impact. Choose a piece that you love, and you will never tire looking at it.
The post It’s Island Time: Gabby’s Best Kitchen Island Lighting appeared first on Gabby.