Kitchen lighting - pendants that blend with the outside view

A pretty pendant (or multiple) over an island or sink can definitely add style to any kitchen, but what if you are blessed with a pretty view to the outside? would a pendant light over the sink or island block that view? it might. so how do you handle this situation?

Glass pendants and lanterns are visually light and airy, and blend in with the outdoor when hung in front of a window. like this pendant from pottery barn. It simply blends in with the view through the large bay window to the garden.

 pottery barn rustic glass pendant over the sink blends in with outside view

 West elm's industrial pendant looks more sleek and contemporary


 
                                    

This chrome-capped bulb reflects light back towards the fixture, eliminating the blinding bright hot spot of standard clear bulbs

                                    

West elm's cluster glass can work with different styles

                                         


Shades of light have some beautiful choices such as this one which I saw at a friends house over an island (she had two of them)

                               

  

       This one comes in green, blue and clear.

                           

For a more traditional or oriental  look, Ballard design's marakesh melon pendant combines glass and iron which adds definition and sharpness to the shape of the glass.

                

   

marakesh melon pendant

                      

It's important to understand the draw backs of those pretty glass pendants:

1. They glare, so use a low wattage bulb or keep them on a dimmer and don't buy one if  any kind of glare really bothers you.

2. Wattage - since the bulb is seen through the glass pendant, you would most likely keep the wattage low so don't expect a lot of light from those pretty lamps.

2. Mounting height - mount them higher than eye level (consider the tallest person in the house, just like you would with placing a mirror...)

            

Chandeliers also have that light and airy look

                                         

                                                   

                                      

                         

                              

                               
West elm's capiz chandelier is airy and light without the glare of clear glass

                              

                              

                             
Another way to avoid blocking views with a pendant is by either mounting them high enough or by choosing a flush mount fixture.

                  

Wilamette 6 Schoolhouse Pendant Light Schoolhouse  

                                     

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If you'd like help with color, redesigning or decorating your own home, contact me @ 

vered@veredrosendesign.com

617-584-9965

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How to light up your kitchen

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Kitchen lighting plan know-how
                                                                  

Your kitchen is the place where you'll probably need more light than anywhere else in your home, so plan carefully:


General words of advice:
1. Not all areas of the kitchen are supposed to be lit at the same intensity:  work and task areas such as counter tops, island, dining table etc should be more intensely lit than the floor. If your kitchen is small, make sure your walls and top cabinets are well lit.
2. A single light source can never accomplish that, no matter how much wattage you use.
3. Consider color - the darker your kitchen cabinets, counter top, paint are, the more lighting you will need.
4. Use dimmers everywhere. They are fairly cheap and easy to install. They save energy when you don't need that intense lighting. Dimming can help when you want a different mood, such as when you are dining or entertaining.

Here's how to plan your kitchen lighting plan:

Recessed Lights

Great for general illumination though not extremely efficient. Recessed lights come in different sizes and prices. Avoid placing too many of them - your ceiling will end up looking like swiss cheese and not necessarily well lit. Add in under cabinet lighting and/or pendants instead.
1. Size - the smaller ones (4") look better and are more expensive. Don't go over 5". 
2. Bulbs - always use spot light bulbs and not the spiral CFL or incandescent ones. Spot lights have a reflective side that directs all the the light downwards instead of lighting the inner side of the can. That's why they light up the space much more efficiently than regular CFL bulbs. They also look much better.

Track lighting - flexible and economical, track lights can be a good solution for narrow,galley kitchens. They do have a contemporary look that may or may not work with your 

3. How to place them - most importantly - center the recessed lights on the edge of the countertop: if you place them away from the counter top, your body will a create shadow over the counter top. I've seen so many kitchens where recessed lights where placed in the wrong places and where not lighting what they where supposed to light. Depending on the layout of your kitchen, the size of the recessed lights and ceiling height, place them between 2.5'-4' apart.

Under cabinet lighting

Undercabinet lighting directly light the countertop and backsplash. This is extremely important if your counter top is dark.

1. Where to place them - install the undercabinet lighting closer the front edge of the cabinet. This will create a larger cone of light over the back splash and countertop. 

3. Wired vs. not - it's easy and tempting to install under cabinetligting with individual switches. However, chances are you won't be using them much. You'll be using them a lot more if they're all wired on a single switch. This means you'll need to hire an electrician, of course, but It's worth it.

Sleek LED under shelving

                                           

4. Light temperature - consider the lighting temperature (warm or cool) of the bulbs: I've discussed this issue in another post how light affects tile color .

5. Thin fixtures - choose the thin sleek fixtures so all you'll see is the light not the bulbs.

6. Magic! - under cabinet lighting creates this magical feel: you can't see where the light comes from! Also, you will notice that the under counter lights "lift" up your upper cabinets visually. they will look like they are floating.

                   

                   

Accent lighting

Accent lighting adds style and character to any kitchen. Depending on the light fixture, they can also be an efficient way to light up a space.

1. Island or dining table- place them in the right height. too low  - they will block your view and light only a small area (the higher the light, the larger the cone of light), too high - not intense enough. You might also notice the bulbs depending on the shape of the pendant.

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2. over the sink - make sure it's on a separate switch. You don't need to focus light on your dirty dishes when you're not doing them...

           

3. Style - consider style. coastal, rustic, contemporary, whatever floats your boat. Pendants can add a lot of style to your kitchen, so make sure the style is in line with what you already have.

                                                              

                          

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If you'd like help with color, redesigning or decorating your own home, contact me @ 

vered@veredrosendesign.com

617-584-9965

veredrosendesign.com

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kitchen lights that blend in with the view

                                                

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Chic and Charming Bedside Lighting

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Hi there! I’m Joanna, a blogger for Arcadian Lighting, a terrific source for all things lighting fixtures in every style and finish. I’m excited to be guest posting here on Vered Rosen Design. I’ve brought along lots of inspiration for bedside lighting. Lighting is such an important design element that needs special attention. I hope you find an idea or two to help you when lighting your own décor. Enjoy!

 
Two rustic corbels are repurposed for twin bedside lamps set atop a fabric covered wall. The unusual look of the lights adds interest to the space.
Two lovely pendants dangle from the ceiling beside a simple platform bed. The space has an Asian influence.
Two brilliant chandeliers hang at the bedside in this flirty white and neon space. I would love to see the lights at nighttime.

A single copper lamp sits at the bedside in this eclectic bedroom. The solid light is a nice companion to the business of the wallpaper and bedding.
This guest room gets its lighting from a pair of lamps within reach of the room’s twin beds. The blue of lamps is in keeping with the subtle blue and champagne of the rest of the room.
A Bohemian bedroom gets its nighttime lighting from a simple desk lamp and a pretty wrought iron floor lamp. This quirky combination works with the eclectic elements in the rest of the space.
Wrought iron mini chandeliers light this country style bedroom. The crisp white bedding is lovely against the dark woods and the cream walls.
Two doors hold twin wall sconces in this eclectic bedroom. I love the way the delicate fixtures play off of the roughness of the doors. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 Bedside lighting doesn't always have to be table lamps, there is a world full of possibilities out there and I hope this post inspired you to try them. Which unconventional bedside lighting is your favorite? Comment below and don't forget to check out our lovely pendant lights at Arcadian Lighting.

 How to light up your kitchen
kitchen lights that blend in with the view

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