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marilyn_crowe

Kitchen Lighting

10 years ago
Hi there! We are building a new house and I'm struggling with lighting in the kitchen. It is an eat in kitchen, measuring approximately 24 x 13.5, with windows on each of the 13.5' ends. The dining table will be in front of one of the windows and the sink will be under the other window. The island should measure approx. 6' x 5'. The cabinets will be dark stained knotty alder and we have 10' ceilings. The kitchen is very open the living area, as well.

I have purchased the Marney oval chandelier from West Elm to go over the dining table and I'm looking at the Larson pendants from Pottery Barn for over the island. The pendant measures 10.75" diam x 13" H. I am thinking 2 would be adequate for the island. Does that seem adequate? Seems like 3 could be a bit much.

Next question is what should I put over the sink that is under a 6'W sliding window? Or should I put anything? We also have recessed cans and under counter lights, although there will not be just a ton of upper cabinets. I considered using the Larson pendant there OR going with sconce. I had planned on just having recessed cans over the sink but my electrician says I need a fixture/fixtures there. I'm at a loss and would love some advice!

Comments (21)

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    why does your electrician say you need a fixture over the sink, that is the most important question. I wouldnt want anything over the window, unless for some reason they cannot put a can there. in which case i would opt for a small flush mount, the sconce is darling, but that light bulb is not meant for task.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    two pendants is fine.. your right.

  • 10 years ago
    Thanks for the reply! I should have mentioned my electrician is also my brother in law LOL so I guess he is just expressing his opinion.
  • 10 years ago

    I always want a light over the sink, assuming there's room above the window frame -- gotta see your dishes to be sure they're clean! :) Another pendant (on a shorter leash) might be easiest, although your sconce is cool. A favorite rehabber of mine used some like that recently:

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    those look great, and can take a regular bulb. the old fashion bulb just doesn't cut it to see clean plates lol

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    im not saying do the pendant, but you will already have three hanging things....

  • 10 years ago
    I wondered about having three hanging things already. I think I will ask him why he thinks I need a fixture versus just doing the cans. There is room to mount a fixture above the window, if we do go that route.
  • 10 years ago
    I do, we are still early in the process, but here they are...one of them gives you perspective of looking from living towards the dining area, the window just wasn't in yet :)
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    ok i just made this up.......

  • 10 years ago
    Oooh that's neat! Thank you! I don't know if I'm calling it the right style but I like that gooseneck barn type light. I've been wondering if it would work. Is lighting adequate with one of those? And I definitely like it better than the pendant.
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    yes, if you get one, (call it a warehouse shade or barn light), with a solid hood like this you can put a regular bulb in it. I would put the max wattage, and have the Bro in law put in a dimmer there.

  • 10 years ago
    Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it.
  • 10 years ago
    One more question...how wide would of light would you go with for this space?
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    im trying do decide if i would do two or one? but if one seems you could go 10'' or more depending on how expressive you want it to be.

  • 10 years ago
    I *think* I like the idea of one that is a bit larger. To me, it's a little cleaner, since I will already have 3 other lights in the space.
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    We would recommend a recessed can above the sink that is on it's own switch. You already have mixed 2 different light styles. So we don't think you need a third style in the space. It sounds wonderful with 10' ceilings and dark stained cabinets! Good luck with your project.

  • 10 years ago
    Kitchen Design Partners - thank you for your input. I assume you would use a 6" can? Also, just curious what you would recommend for a backsplash. The floor will be stained concrete (that's what my husband does) and countertops will also be concrete, and I want to make sure the back splash keeps the space light feeling - I don't want a dark feel to the room at all.
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Thanks for your question. I thought there were photos showing the other recessed lights but I don't see them. I would use the same size for above the sink. If your counters and floor are concrete, they are a matte/not shiny finish, right? If so, glass tile may be a nice contrast to add a bit of shine while maintaining a contemporary look. If you could post a photo showing your cabinet style with your countertops and floors, we would give more detailed advice to you.

  • 10 years ago
    I like the look of the birch cabinets in the photo I have attached. The floor will be less matte than waxed concrete, but not a high shine, but will likely be dark-ish. Two of the samples he has done are attached. He is doing another sample that should be ready to look at tonight that should be lighter than these, and will hopefully have more tan in it. We haven't even talked counter top colors yet, but not too dark, based on the dark cabinets and floors, I would think. Thank you for your help.
  • 10 years ago
    I should probably add, I think the stain sample on the right is too red. The one on the left is black with brown. The reddish one is brown with black.
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