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roxanne

designing lighting for a kitchen

13 years ago
We have a gutted kitchen/ dining area. I'm moving along on most of the project but need to plan the lighting for the area. I have been trying to get advice on the placement/ size / number of cans. One retail lighting supply place looked at my plan and in about 10 minutes had it planned- looks reasonable, but is something so important really THAT simple? (plus she looked about 12 yrs old) I have to come up with a plan that I give to the electrician (the electrician will not be the designer) Advice on how you'd approach getting a really good plan would be really helpful!!!

Comments (5)

  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I can see that you posted this question a couple of months ago. How did your lighting plan work out? When we renovated our kitchen I thought we were putting in too many canned lights and I was wrong - it is perfect! In a 200sq ft kitchen we have 12 cans on dimmers and multiple switches. I am so pleased with it. Happy to help advise if you haven't already made your decision.
  • 13 years ago
    It is absolutely telepathy that you wrote today. (Notice, no on else thought to answer ) After going to the first lighting place (described above) I was referred to a guy who does lighting design (doesn't sell product) For $250.00 he made a one hour site visit followed by a lighting plan. He advised a lot more lighting than the 12 yr old at the retail lighting place. The cans he recommended were also different. Then I went to a lighting supply
    store (they sell to the trade) More advice. Through all of this, I received the advice to get under cabinet lighting, LED, housed (not tape or rope) At no point did anyone say "this might show under your cabinets" In fact, the lighting supply place showed me both options and said that the tape was less expensive, but more labor to install.
    So, while down to the studs, we had all the electrical done. The cabinets arrived this week and when the uppers were installed, I realized that there was minimal room in which to install the planned lights. The electrician came out again--and was practically yelling at me for screwing this up !! Using the tape or rope requires transformers and additional wiring-as well as closing pall those stubs. I went back to store #1 to try to get some options for using the existing wiring (I'd already posted to Houzz-and a contractor said put light rail on the cabinets-I'd also spent time on the internet tryingto figure out my options. So I just got back from the lighting store to return the option I picked up yesterday--it was a slim housed unit--but still needed the transformer, i.e., rewiring. BTW, I do not want a light rail. These are higher end, framed, inset cabinets and I don't want to ruin the clean look. So I need to go with the tape--and the rewiring and the angry electrician. He was so upset because he'd asked for the unit repeatedly. However, it doesn't matter- he wired for what I wanted, but as it turned out, not what I needed !! I realize that my cabinet designer also could have pointed this out-and I will discuss this with her. But, could anyone say, "find out how much depth you have under the cabinet before making this decision?"
    Anyway--frustrating!!!!!!!!
    OK- have an abundance of overhead lighting (cans) The lighting designer added a lot over the 12 year old, and then the electrician made some changes. Everything will be on dimmers. I t looks like swiss cheese up there, but I feel pretty confident that we won't be under lighted : ) However, if only someone had warned me about the under cabinet light issue! Thank you for listening. No one else will want to!!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Glad I replied! I'm so sorry to hear about your situation, and I completely understand. It sounds like it's all going to be fixable, but frustrating nonetheless. Get what you want - sounds like you're taking the time to make it just right. These little things make a huge difference when it's all said and done so good for you for pushing to make it perfect - even if you have an irritated electrician - trust me, he'll get over it. We had a similar case with a plumbing situation and I almost lost it, but now that the project is over it's a distant memory since it all looks and works so well.

    Sounds like you have a great lighting plan - so glad to hear you're doing dimmers for all - you won't be disappointed. When it's all roughed out it can be a bit overwhelming. I remember thinking that it was going to look like a UFO landing in our kitchen but it's just the right amount and I love the placement. Please keep me up to date with the progress on your renovation. If you ever feel like sharing before and after pics I'd love to see. I so appreciate what it takes to make it all come together.
  • 13 years ago
    That's so nice of you- I will ! It should be really nice when it's one, but I haven't had a kitchen since July, and the novelty has worn off. My cabinet designer has been the saving grace. She's helping me with all manner of decision, large and small. Aside from her talents, we laugh a lot. I think I would've gone nuts without that!
    I think we are probably a month away from functionality. Lighting, countertops,plumbing, appliances, floor finishing, baseboards and toe kicks-looking for backsplash will be fun, won't it??
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Sounds like your cabinet designer is fantastic! Send her a thank you something when it's all said and done :)
    You're almost there, but of course the novelty has worn off - that's a long time! Are you doing dishes in your bathtub or have you resorted to paper plates? The details are fun and trying all at the same time. Keep the end goal in mind and it will be great when it's done. Keep us in mind when you have questions. You've found a great site with tons of experts. Glad we can all help one another!