Greetings! 

What's new in kitchen lighting for 2010?

The first thing to consider when creating a kitchen lighting plan is to evaluate the activities that will take place there. What will be the functions of the space? Cooking? Entertaining? Office space?

Let's start with the three main types of lighting: general, which is the basic lighting for the room; task lighting, which highlights a specific area; and accent lighting, which creates a focal point in the room.  A room ideally should have different types of lighting incorporated into the space.

General lighting in the center of the room can be a chandelier or pendant light over a center island.  Eco conscious lighting is becoming more popular for homeowners as well as organic design such as bamboo, wood, and even vines.  Recessed lighting is not as popular.  Many designers feel that recessed lighting is obtrusive and is being overused in rooms.  It is sometimes referred to as "swiss cheese" in the ceiling.  Although it can be a good choice, especially in older homes with lower ceilings.

Natural Wood Chandelier at Brown

A great example of task lighting is in the hood over a cooktop.  It is best to have task light coming in from multiple sources and in different directions for the best illumination.  Undercounter task lighting highlights the architecture of the kitchen.  It also brightens the countertops and provides light for counter top activities. 

Accent lighting draws attention to a particular object or architectural feature such as an unusual ceiling, arches, artwork or a special collection on display. Cove lighting provides a soft, diffused light.  Halogen lights can brightly spot a special collection inside a cabinet or on the wall.

Just as important as the lighting choice is the bulb choice.  The quality of the light or the bulb can affect the atmosphere.  Incandescent light provides a warm, yellowish light and is usually used for downlighting.  Halogen light produces a crisp white light that is perfect for accent lighting.  Fluorescent lights have a long life and use little energy and now come in many sizes and shapes for all lighting needs. 

And finally, don't forget dimmer switches. They help keep energy usage down and are perfect for setting that perfect mood in a room.

A new lighting look at Brown
2940 Ferndale
Houston, TX  77098
713-522-2151

Jill Brown is the only distributor in Texas of Aldo Bernardi lighting.  She visited his Italian factory when she lived in Belgium.  Everything is handcrafted in beautiful natural finishes and utilizes surface mounted conduit systems which are used in Europe due to the lack of drywall.  This exquisite lighting can be extended along a ceiling or down a wall and can also be run in a raceway and suspended from the ceiling.  Carol Ollier, the US distributor, indicated that this type of lighting is new to the States, and she is seeing some clients move to conduit lighting. 
Jill Brown is renowned for her outstanding lighting.  Stop by her shop and prepare to be enchanted. 

Aldo Bernardi Lighting

Aldo Bernardi Lighting

Aldo Bernardi Lighting at Brown

Perfect for over the sink or desk area in the kitchen

Peck & Company - Pot Rack with lighting
98 Dennis Street
Houston, Texas 77006 View Map
713-526-2590

A trend is to incorporate lighting with a pot rack.  This serves as both a functional display of kitchen wares and increases lighting over your island or other workspace.

Antiques & Interiors on Dunlavy has many choices for lighting that would be amazing in a kitchen. 
3845 Dunlavy @ West Alabama
Houston, TX 77006 View Map
713-522-6996

Mercury Glass pendant light, Blair Hodges

Rustic iron lantern sconce, Ken Bernstein/Ex Domus

Look at these fabulous woven burlap lights

Oxford Contractors Tip of the Week:

Layered Kitchen Lighting: Lighting can create moods and change the room. There are different reasons for lighting to be layered, one of which is so they can be used independently of each other. Having a variety of lighting options lets you instantly convert your kitchen from a functional work space to an intimate dining space

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are now available for the home. These low-voltage lamps consume less than half as much electricity as fluorescents, and can last 10 times as long.  One of the most practical uses for LEDs right now is in under cabinet lighting.

Contact Oxford Contractors for any lighting ideas, advice, or install/construction.

Stan Chapman
Oxford Contractors, LLC
202-374-0827
stan@oxfordcontractors.com
www.oxfordcontractors.com

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Download the event flyer here.

Have comments or suggestions for us, call Ginger Wheless 713-661-6300 or email ginger@theredvault.com