One of the hottest trends in Colorado Springs kitchen design right now is recessed lighting. Also known as pot lighting, high hat lighting, or can lighting, the lights sit flush with the ceiling, wall, or floor. Recessed lights are incredibly versatile, lending themselves to a wide variety of residential and commercial uses. In homes, recessed lighting is commonly used in kitchens, basements, living rooms, and media rooms because they are a great way to illuminate a large space.
But before you install recessed lighting in your Colorado Springs kitchen, there are a few things you should think about:
Types of Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting can be mounted flat or angled from a ceiling, wall, or floor, to create unique lighting elements. And because the lights themselves are concealed they can light up a room without adding an overly decorative element, or taking up needed space. This is great for kitchens where other items in the room like cabinetry or stainless-steel appliances should get the attention without lighting stealing the show, or for kitchens with low-hanging lights that make the space seem smaller. While every homeowner has aesthetic preferences, try to stick with more basic recessed lights in spaces where there are already other exciting design elements to avoid overwhelming the space.
The color of the light trim should match the trim, baseboards, or other design elements in your home for a cohesive look. Fortunately, recessed lighting comes in many different shapes (square or round) and trim styles (flangeless, flanged, beveled, or flat) to match any look you desire.
However, color and shape are not the only things to consider when choosing a specific type of recessed lighting. Size is also important! Obviously, wider lights will cast a wider beam of light, covering more area, and generating more ambient light, while thinner recessed lighting will cause more of a spotlight effect. Also, the bulbs or LEDs you choose will determine the color and intensity of the light. Rely on your local kitchen designer to make a customized recommendation on which voltage and light specifications to use for your home.
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Recessed Lighting Placement
While recessed lighting is typically used to light up an entire room, it can also be used to highlight key areas of your home, like artwork or specialty furniture, acting as a sort of spotlight to direct attention to these areas. Where you place recessed lights will determine how the room is illuminated, and therefore how effectively the area is showcased.
When placing recessed lights in key areas of your home, try to avoid places where people will be sitting or standing for significant periods of time, like in front of the stove or directly over a couch. Placing lights directly over people may cause eye strain and can also cast unwanted shadows. Aim for positioning lights 12-18” from walls, countertops, and other edges, and then space lights out evenly to give the best coverage.
For oddly shaped rooms, ensure that recessed lighting will light up the entire space. Without properly spacing lights (and using enough for the size of the room) you can be left with dark corners and edges.