The Importance of Lighting in Kitchen Design: Tips and Trends

Lighting is one of the most quietly powerful elements of any kitchen design. It’s not just about visibility—it’s about atmosphere, practicality, and even how spacious your kitchen feels. A well-lit kitchen supports the way you live, cook, and gather, often without drawing attention to itself.

If you’re planning a new kitchen, or rethinking your current one, considering lighting early in the design process can make a significant difference. Here’s a straightforward guide to thinking about kitchen lighting and how to get the most from it.

Layers of Light

A balanced kitchen lighting plan often combines three types of lighting: ambient, task, and accent lighting.

- Ambient lighting provides the general illumination that makes a space comfortable to work and move around in. Think ceiling spotlights or a central pendant.

- Task lighting focuses on areas where specific activities happen, like chopping vegetables or reading recipes. Under-cabinet lighting is a classic example.

- Accent lighting adds depth and highlights features you want to showcase, such as open shelving or a tiled backsplash.

By layering different types of light, you create a flexible environment that adapts to everything from busy weekday mornings to relaxed weekend dinners.

Current Lighting Trends Worth Considering

Lighting trends evolve, but the best ideas are usually about better living rather than fleeting fashions. Here are a few movements that seem built to last:

- Statement pendant lights over kitchen islands or dining areas, adding character without overpowering the space.

- Warmer, more natural materials for light fittings—such as wood, linen, or rattan—which complement the growing trend towards softer, more organic kitchen designs.

- Integrated lighting within cabinetry for a clean look and a subtle glow that improves functionality.

Choosing Lighting for Open Plan Spaces

In an open plan kitchen living area, lighting also needs to help define spaces. Different lighting levels and styles can subtly mark out the kitchen, dining, and living zones without needing walls. It’s worth thinking about how each area will be used at different times of day, and planning lighting accordingly.

Planning Ahead for Flexibility

Adding dimmer switches, zoned lighting, and a mix of sources means your kitchen can shift easily from bright and practical during the day to warm and atmospheric in the evening. Planning for this kind of flexibility can make a space feel more considered and welcoming.

If you’re exploring ideas for lighting and would like to see how it works in real life, a visit to a kitchen showroom can be an eye-opening experience. At Tomas Kitchen Living, we have kitchen showrooms in London, St Albans, and Cambridge where you can see how thoughtful lighting brings different spaces to life.

Our team would be happy to talk through options and ideas, whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing design.