Add Some Glamour to Your Life With a Chandelier in The Kitchen

There's a lot of loose talk out there about James Moder's deconstructed chandelier being over exposed, but I'm not buying it. A Moder chandelier never fails to add the thrill of the modern.

This kitchen looks like the cakes and cookies it must crank out by the dozen. The chandelier drives that point home.

A ceiling-mounted range hood can present a lighting dilemma, but the matching amber crystal chandeliers used here disguise that dilemma effortlessly.

Tip: Chandeliers generally hang 28 to 30 inches above the surface they're illuminating. In a kitchen, it's often a better idea to go higher than 30 inches so the chandelier isn't an obstacle.

A handy trick to figure out the perfect hight before committing to anything is to take an open umbrella, turn it upside down and use it as a lightweight stand-in for your chandelier as you experiment with heights. It'll be a lot easier if you have someone to help you.

The chandelier hanging over this island adds an air of formality without detracting from the hood in the background or the gorgeous limestone counter below it.

The crystal chandelier in this kitchen puts the "chic" in "shabby chic" and keeps everything looking polished and put-together.

The globe chandelier suspended in this kitchen keeps this surprisingly ornate room from going overboard. As it is, this kitchen looks like a serene retreat and it's practically begging to be used.

Exposed brick is a classic finish, but lighting a kitchen that features exposed brick can be a real challenge. The chandelier here takes just enough Old World style to stay appropriate while its scale keeps it from being too precious.

This blown-glass chandelier adds just the right amount of personality to keep this transitional kitchen warm and inviting.

Would you hang a chandelier in your kitchen?