There is a shift happening on the kitchen counter. For years, many have favored the clinical recessed ceiling light, but it increasingly appears that its days are numbered.
Take Erin Napier's home as the most recent space to showcase a shift in how we think about kitchen lighting. In her 1920s craftsman home in Laurel, Mississippi, Erin has turned to a softer alternative to the aforementioned recessed ceiling light: A kitchen countertop lamp.
Placing a small table lamp alongside cutting boards or marble surfaces casts a localized area of light that immediately relaxes the room, offering an ambient alternative to harsh overhead bulbs once the evening arrives.
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Shop the Napier-Inspired Kitchen Lighting Edit
The ultimate budget pick for recreating Erin Napier’s cozy kitchen lighting. Its 15-inch height, turned brass silhouette, and pleated shade make it a seamless fit for any counter corner. It's our top pick for a reason.
If you want to mirror Erin's cozy lighting setup, this 20-inch lamp nails the assignment. It pairs a sharp pleated empire shade (which casts that signature warm pool of light down onto your counters) with a dark, rounded ceramic base for a modern twist.
Erin is a master of mixing textures, and this small marble table lamp brings that exact artisanal charm to the kitchen. Its black-and-white Ikat zig-zag shade casts light down onto your counter while adding a subtle splash of print.
Finding a lamp small enough to fit beneath upper cabinets can be tricky, but this Target favorite hits the sweet spot. Featuring a warm wood turn base and a classic pleated shade, it brings instant cozy character to your kitchen prep area for just $50.
An accessible favorite for creating ambient counter light. Featuring a sculptural wavy shade and a rich olive ceramic base, this $75 Target find turns any kitchen corner into a cozy sanctuary.
If Erin designed a cordless lamp, this would be it. Featuring an iconic William Morris 'Snakeshead' silk shade, this rechargeable marble lamp channels old-world craftsman charm. The scalloped rim and warm silk cast an impossibly cozy glow across kitchen counters.
Anyone who knows and loves Erin's work knows how well this ambient approach to lighting aligns with her design aesthetic. Celebrated for her mix of historic reverence and cozy, English country decor-inspired details, she regularly leans into layered lighting to make a space feel truly lived-in.
Rather than flooding a room from a single overhead fixture, the intent is to build texture. As James Kendall, the operations director at KES Lighting, points out, 'As the kitchen has evolved into the heart of the home, lighting design is becoming more layered, functional and visually striking.'
In her kitchen, wood tones (exhibited through cerused oak cabinetry and collected art pieces) are paired naturally with the pleated linen shades, much like this beautiful match from Target. This preference for tactile, organic elements mirrors a broader movement in contemporary kitchen design, as James explains.
'A major lighting trend is the growing emphasis on natural materials and organic forms,' he says. 'Rather than simply opting for smooth white fixtures, homeowners are embracing warmer, more tactile materials that bring depth and texture to the kitchen.'
In pairing these delicate shades with grounded bases, a countertop lamp helps blur the line between utility and living space. 'Materials such as rattan, wood, and linen shades introduce a softer, more natural feel, reflecting the increasing demand for sustainable and biophilic design,' James notes.
'Metallic finishes such as brass, copper, and matte black are also proving popular, particularly when paired with materials like glass or wood. These combinations add depth and character while creating a timeless look.'
Switching off the overhead lights for a small counter lamp completely changes the room. Erin and Ben’s kitchen shows just how relaxed an evening space can feel.
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