Don’t be put off by choosing a dark kitchen design, because there are many lighting illusions you can create to expand the perception of space and introduce more light and interest to your kitchen. Lighting is one of the most transformative elements in any interior space, as it defines mood, enhances colour, and draws attention to the materials you’ve carefully chosen.
Below are five expert lighting ideas to illuminate your space beautifully. They show you the way each stone works with these options to create a truly striking effect.
Add Depth and Function With Layered Lighting
Use a layered lighting approach with ambient, task and accent lighting methods to create dimension and flexibility in any room. This type of effect works well with quartz worktops, especially those with a soft shimmer or fleck. The design can reflect layered lighting perfectly, giving an overall brightness to the space.
Add under-cabinet LED strips to highlight the work surface while prepping meals.
Add Focus and Drama With Pendant Lighting
Incorporate pendant lighting above the kitchen island or dining table; they offer a personal and unique style to your design scheme. Granite worktops work well with light from a pendant, as the colours and texture are picked out, enhancing the granite’s dramatic, organic texture.
Add a dimmable switch to the pendant to give flexibility in lighting the surface for practical tasks and lowering the light for evening entertaining.
Bring a Touch of Warmth and Accent With Wall Lighting
To create a luxurious atmosphere and to showcase cabinetry, artwork, or other architectural elements, wall sconces and picture lights are ideal. Marble worktops are best to bring that luxurious, high-end feel. Gentle wall lights can pick up the stone’s subtle veining and create that beautiful, soft glow that we all wish for.
Combine this type of lighting with neutral wall colours to bring out the natural tones in your marble.
Enhance Your Space With Soft Daylight Glow From Skylights and Windows
Maximising natural light in your home is the most cost-effective and health-boosting way. Skylights, bi-fold doors, and well-placed windows ensure each of your surfaces comes alive in the daylight. Porcelain worktops, particularly in a matte finish, are ideal for a sunny space. And with their UV-resistance, it doesn’t matter how much natural light touches it.
Pair a beautiful porcelain surface with light walls and drop-down window sills to make the most of the incoming daylight.
Integrated LED Lighting
You can add integrated LED lighting to shelves, drawers, the underneath of cabinetry and much more. The added light makes everyday use more practical, and any stone worktop can work with this type of lighting. The modern and uniform appearance of quartz and porcelain in particular complements the clean lines.
Motion-sensor LEDs in drawers and cupboards are the perfect addition for convenience and efficiency.
Photo provided and owned by kitchen designer Daniel Ramsay Kitchens
How to Choose the Right Stone Worktop
- Quartz is an engineered surface which reflects light evenly and suits both modern and traditional spaces.
- Granite is a natural surface which works well under dramatic lighting.
- Marble is a luxurious stone and best paired with soft, ambient lighting to accentuate its natural beauty.
- Porcelain is a sleek, resilient and UV-resistant surface, great for light-filled rooms.
Related blogs:
Creating the Best Task Lighting for Your Kitchen
Light up Your Cabinets with Undercabinet Lighting
Transform the Kitchen with Pendant Lighting
Use Track Lighting to Transform Your Kitchen
Choosing a great design is about how you feel in a space. By pairing strategic lighting with the natural elegance of stone worktops, your space is intentionally functional and beautiful.
Do you need help finding the perfect worktop for your home? We’d love to help with our collection of stone. We are sure you will find one perfect for you and your space at our showroom.
