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90 mallinson road, london sw11 1bn
020 7924 1421 - 07866 724718 - steve@swbishop.co.uk


We've cooked up some wicked ideas to light up your kitchen!
 

Our monthly email offering advice on all things electrical around your home. To discuss any of the topics we cover please contact us here.

Click on the blue underlined links for more information. To see our previous mailings please click here.

Steve Bishop is a qualified electrician and a member of NAPIT. To see his qualifications click here.

Well here we are, another year under the belt, where does the time go?  To ease you gently into the New Year, this month's Circuit Shorts opens up the eclectic world of kitchen lighting.   Your kitchen needs to have the most flexible lighting scheme of the whole house to reflect the wide range of functions for which it is used, so it's always wise to start with a good lighting plan.  To find out how to design and create your own lighting plan, please see our previous Circuit Shorts here
 

 
Define a dining zone
Define the eating area in your kitchen with large striking pendant lights. Hanging them low will allow the shades to take centre stage, but make sure they're high enough not to get in the way of conversation!

 
 
Make light of cooking
Create a practical space to prepare meals by adding task lighting above your cooking station.  Under cupboard lighting is great for this because it is well hidden and stops your shadow obscuring the worktop. LEDs are winners all round for this purpose as they are far more economical (see our previous Circuit Shorts about LEDs here) and they have less heat output so they prevent cupboards and food becoming too warm.  Also, make sure the sockets and switches around your cooking area are flush to the wall so they are easy to clean.
 

Light up your alcoves and recesses
Corners disappear into darkness and make your kitchen look smaller.  Illuminating them with corner lights will create the illusion of space as it redirects the eye to the outer perimeter of the room making it look bigger than it actually is. Even better, fit shelving into your alcoves or cupboards and install lighting behind to illuminate your kitchen accessories and cooking products.  For more space-saving ideas, see our previous Circuit Shorts on creating  the illusion of space with clever lighting here
 

Add interest to a kitchen island
Bold lampshades aren't just for the living room or bedroom. Choose an oversized statement shade and hang low above an island for an instant shot of colour.  Another great idea is to incorporate lighting below the unit as this will make it appear to float. 

 
 
Add a statement chandelier
Create a wow-factor focal point in your kitchen by adding a dash of opulence with a grand chandelier. A glistening metal and crystal number suits this modern kitchen but you could also add a classic twist by opting for bold antique chandelier.

 

Add spotlights
Spotlights are great task lighting. They're subtle enough not to interfere with the rest of your scheme, but are a sure-fire way to brighten up the whole look.  If your kitchen or dining area is small, you can increase the sense of space by using directional spotlights angled towards the cupboards and walls. The light is reflected back into the room and is much more effective than shining the light straight down at the floor.

 

Layer it!
As well as the essential task lighting, add some accent and ambient lighting. Using a number of different sources lends a more ‘three-dimensional’ feel and so helps you create the mood you want. Each source should be controlled individually so that the scheme can create anything from the feeling of bright daylight to an intimate atmosphere over dinner.

 
Work on it, eat on it, play on it ...
These days kitchen tables are multi-functional.  A great idea is to have hanging lights above the table paired with a dimmer switch.  Turn the dimmer up and the table becomes the ideal place for the kids to do the homework or for you to do some paperwork.  Once the kids are in bed, serve up the champagne and oysters, whack on some Barry White and dim the lights ......  Make sure you don't hang them too low  though, a trauma to the head will ruin the ambience.
I hope I have given you some ideas as far as your kitchen lighting is concerned. If you would like some advice on kitchen lighting or if you would like to make an appointment for a free quotation on any of the services we provide (click here for more details about the electrical services we can provide for you) then please contact me.

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year.


 
 

Steve Bishop
Mob: 07866 724718

steve@swbishop.co.uk 
www.swbishop.co.uk
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