The biggest mistake made in kitchen lighting is trying to illuminate the entire kitchen with one ceiling light – I should know, I do it too!

In looking for new kitchen lighting, I made this list of quick tips to keep in mind.

1. Use a mix of lights. Like any room, a kitchen should have a mix of lighting types; task lighting over work areas, accent lights on details, mood or decorative lights on dimmers.

2. Under-cabinet rocks. Under-cabinet lighting is highly effective in the kitchen. It puts light directly on counter work surfaces, and it can serve the dual use of mood lighting at late night.
 
3. Use a dimmer. Dimmers offer flexibility. You can brighten lights for cooking, then lower them for dining.

4. Watch the height. Pendant fixtures over a kitchen island or work area should hang no lower than eye-level when standing. This allows for a clear view between you and guests or other room areas.
 
5. Scale is everything. Too small a pendant light or overhead light can throw off the design look for the entire room. The bigger the space, the bigger the lighting fixture or kitchen ceiling fan needs to be.