A kitchen is one of the biggest investments you can make in your home, so you want to do it once and do it well. But what is the secret to designing a space you will love and enjoy for years to come?
I thought it was a fairly simple question to ask a designer, but I didn't think the answer would be such a simple and straightforward one. When I asked designer Marie Flanigan, who has designed plenty of beautiful, timeless kitchen schemes, what feature to focus on to ensure you love your kitchen for decades, her answer was one word – lighting.
Kitchen ideas look different depending on your space and style, but if there's one thing that can dictate a kitchen's longevity, Marie believes it's kitchen lighting.
It's easy to get wrapped up in color schemes, countertop choices, and cabinet designs, but one of the most important parts of your kitchen design process is the lighting. It impacts how colors read in the room, as well as the ambiance for different uses.
'When designing a kitchen, being intentional with your lighting selections makes all the difference. I always recommend layering different types of light to support everything from cooking to quiet evenings spent gathering with family,' explains Marie Flanigan.
'Lighting is always a recommendation – even over larger features – because it applies to every kitchen, no matter the size, shape, or layout. And when chosen well, lighting acts like jewelry for the space: functional, beautiful, and full of personality,' she explains.
'It brings character to a kitchen by introducing warmth, texture, and visual rhythm. A well-placed sconce or statement pendant can instantly shift a room from utilitarian to inviting. It’s a chance to reflect your personal style and make even the most hardworking spaces feel considered.'
If you're wondering how to layer lighting, it requires a balance of different types, from ceiling lights, task lighting, and more ambient mood lighting that adds warmth and a cozy feel to the kitchen.
'Start with well-placed overhead lighting for function – pendants over an island or recessed lights for general brightness – then introduce softer sources like sconces or under-cabinet lights to bring in warmth and dimension,' Marie suggests.
'Adding dimmers is one of the simplest ways to instantly elevate the atmosphere. They allow you to transition the space throughout the day, from bright and energizing in the morning to soft and ambient in the evening.'
If you're opting for dimmers (or just want to elevate the finish of your kitchen), it's a good idea to introduce slightly elevated light switch plates, like this Antique Brass Dimmer Switch from Corston. Because they are at eye level, they feel really noticeable. Simply swapping standard designs for something more luxurious and that matches your kitchen hardware makes all the difference.
Essentially, your kitchen lighting needs to cater to the various uses of the space. Make sure you have sufficient lighting for the functional needs of your kitchen above the island, over the countertops, and around the range. This could be a mixture of wall, ceiling, and under-cabinet lights for variety.
Then, consider ambiance. If you want to create a more social kitchen, somewhere you dine, socialize, and spend time, softer, warmer lighting is key. Think a low-hung ceiling light over a table, or kitchen counter lamps dotted around for a more inviting atmosphere.
'If you want to love your kitchen for years to come, I suggest selecting timeless silhouettes in natural materials – think aged brass, hand-rubbed bronze, or ceramic. Stay away from overly trendy shapes, and instead choose fixtures with clean lines and a sense of craftsmanship. Good lighting never goes out of style,' Marie advises.
'Thoughtful lighting not only enhances how you use the kitchen, but it also sets the tone for how the space makes you feel. It’s one of those small decisions that truly transform the experience of the room.'
Get the lighting right from the start, you won't have to worry about it in the future, even as the decor and colors you include evolve.
Pendant lights can blur the line between functional and decorative, perfect for over an island or for a more intimate ambiance over a dining nook. This neutral, scalloped design will fit seamlessly in plenty of design styles.
Kitchen wall lights are often overlooked, but they are another way to add a decorative element that's practical too. This design pivots so you can move the light as and when you need it – perfect for adding direct and indirect light.
If you're going to introduce lamps to your kitchen, it's a good idea to opt for cordless designs that can be moved to various areas as you need them. This brass design with a white pleated shade is utterly timeless.
Lighting is the often underestimated yet crucial element of your kitchen design. If you get the lighting scheme right from the start you're on track for a kitchen you will love for decades.
Even if over the years you switch up the kitchen color on your walls, try a new kitchen cabinet hardware finish, or even bring in new accessories, a well-designed lighting scheme will truly stand the test of time.
