The Details in Kitchen Lighting

When it comes to the kitchen, lighting is as essential to the room as the refrigerator. Therefore designers are always looking to layer a lighting scheme within the kitchen to help homeowners create an intimate space and aid in efficiency. Lighting is different from room to room, so checkout the unique combinations that can be added to your kitchen:

Contrast is Good

Create drama by layering the lights throughout the space. It’s a good idea to divide your kitchen into separate zones to determine how each area should be illuminated. This scheme allows your to mix various types of fixtures throughout the kitchen. Install task lights over the sink and prep area to help with cooking meals. Then illuminate the dining space with a decorative fixture that will provide ambient lighting for meals.

Ceiling Spotlights

As one of the most versatile sources of light in homes, recessed fixtures offer a layer of general lighting that seamlessly blends into any room’s decor. Here, these recessed fixtures have been used for the ceiling spotlights, which are generally the main source of light for most kitchens. Spotlights help illuminate a large amount of space and can be discreet within the ceiling.

Undercover

When installing undercabinet fixtures, you provide illumination over otherwise shadowy counter surfaces. These lights make it easier for food prep and can easily be hidden. These undercover lights come in three forms, including strip, puck and mini-track. Strip is most common; these linear shaped bulbs offer lots of evenly diffused, shadowless task lighting. Puck, or disc lights, cast pools of light onto counters. The light is softer, which can be more aesthetically pleasing but less beneficial for task purposes. Easy to install track systems consist of miniature low-voltage halogen or xenon bulbs and can be spaced according to the desired effect.

Green Scheme

Keep your home green by incorporating more windows into your open plan layout. By combining windows, you allow in ample natural light while capturing views from the outdoors. Therefore, sunshine is the main source of light in the kitchen. At night, you can then utilize the interior lighting scheme that has been installed. Don’t forget to use windows that offer maximum UV protection from interior damage and fading.

Judging the Saratoga Showcase of Homes

Recently, I had the exciting opportunity to be one of the ten judges for the 2011 Saratoga Showcase of Homes. The event is an annual tradition in upstate New York that allows homeowners to tour exquisite homes and learn the latest design trends. In total, we had to judge 19 homes that were divided into four categories: condos, classic homes, executive homes and luxury homes. For each home, we were given 15 minutes to view and inspect. We were even given plastic booties to wear over our shoes to keep from damaging parts of the home. I won’t lie; I was a little shocked by this, but would hate for anyone to track dirt into my clean home!

My role was to inspect and critique the homes’ kitchen designs, interior decor and master bath workmanship. For the kitchens, I had to determine if the builder matched work within the kitchen with the price of the home. You’ve heard me say it before, but generally the kitchen should cost 10% of your home’s value. When it came to judging the workmanship in the master bath, I had to inspect everything to see if it was finished properly. Were the walls straight? Was additional caulk needed? How was the application of paint and trim?

Overall, this was an amazing experience, and I am thrilled to have been involved. It was wonderful opportunity to meet other designers and builders who are interested home renovations and style. Moments like these truly make me happy to be the designer that I am today.

-Laura

The Power of Porcelain

Today, porcelain tile use is on the rise in both kitchens and bathroom applications. Fired at an extremely high temperature, porcelain has a rich palette that is remarkably durable, lasting a lifetime while standing up to just about anything. The material offers durability, especially the through-body versions that won’t show chips from dropped pots or hair dryers like standard tile. As a versatile look, faux-wood porcelain can go in showers and other areas where wood won’t work.

As porcelain continues to increase in popularity, homeowners have fallen in love with larger-than-ever porcelain tile on floors and walls, especially with rectified edges. These allow for tighter installation that minimizes grout lines. This will provide a cleaner look and will allow for easy cleaning.

-Laura

Today’s “Modern Family” Kitchen

Last night, I was flipping through the television stations and came across ABC’s Modern Family. For those who have never seen the series, there are two things I love about the show. First, the comedy is hilarious and always makes me laugh. Second, the kitchens on the series are just spectacular. Each is designed with a different style, but my favorite is the kitchen owned by the Dunphy’s.

Claire and Phil Dunphy’s kitchen stands out for its traditional feel, but also because many of its unique features are today’s latest trends in home design.

Variety of Cabinet Styles

I just love the combination of cabinet styles that are used within this space. This kitchen incorporates a variety of glassed-in cabinet doors, open shelves and closed cabinetry that thrives in today’s modern style. It’s a look that shakes up top-to-bottom built-ins by introducing creativity and diversity.

Wood-Paneled Appliances

Today, more homeowners are hiding their kitchen appliances behind wood panels for a clean, simplistic look. Even in Modern Family’s television set, the kitchen’s refrigerator is covered in wood panels that match the cabinets along the wall. This trend helps bring a welcoming and seamless look to the room for the family of five. It’s very easy to achieve this look for your kitchen because many companies are offering refrigerators that can be fitted for custom cabinetry.

Attractive Cabinet Color

The color of the cabinetry is just stunning and can be used within any home. It’s a color that is traditional, yet delivers a contemporary look. Personally, I find it to be an excellent option that can attract current homeowners and potential buyers with its warm and attractive appeal.

-Laura

Designing a Dutch Colonial Kitchen

Located in Ghent, NY, this beautiful and spacious Dutch Colonial home built in the 1700s was in need of a restoration to its original beauty. To bring the warmth of the old and the conveniences of the new, our designer Amy used a variety of wood types and accents within the space.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Amy created a layout for the kitchen that began by installing reclaimed pine flooring. This achieved an antique look appropriate to the three century year old home. We wanted to bring in distressed pine cabinets with a modern twist. We achieved this by accenting the island with a distressed black finish. Additionally, soapstone countertops were installed on the bar and the stove wall, recessed into the window sills for a continuous look. Lastly, a custom built farm sink made out of soapstone was added on the island to match the perimeter of the kitchen.

Currently, this home is listed with Old Ghent Realty. Feel free to visit their website and explore the rest of this beautiful home!

Old Ghent Realty

-Laura