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Creative ways to light up your kitchen in 2023

Kitchens are the most used room in any home so getting the lighting right in this space is crucial, especially where there is an open plan design.


Layering different types of lights to cater for tasks (with spotlights or under cabinet led strips) or for ambience (think about dimmable bulbs) is crucial.


In this article I will share the hottest designers and trends for lighting up this space in 2023 and beyond.

 

What kind of lights should a kitchen have?


This hard working space needs a lot of light layering to ensure that you can see easily in every corner and that lights are soft without creating shadows where you are working.


My preference in the kitchen is always to have warm white light and lots of it that you can use as needed. So my lighting plan for the kitchen will include:

  • Downlights, spotlights or any other type of flush light as the main space lighting fixture, this is the one you light up when you first enter the room.

  • Under cabinet lights, these help eliminate the shadows from the spotlights once you start using the worktop to prepare food. You can have under-cabinet downlights or led strips.

  • Over cabinet lights (spot lights or LED strips) for ambience.

  • Pendant lights over an island or breakfast bar.


Next, let's have a look at the latest lighting trends and designers for all your kitchen lighting needs.



 

CLEMO & FINCH


After spending many weekends as a child in his grandfather's workshop, C&F owner, Michael, headed to university to study manufacturing engineering. He went on to start his own commercial hardware company in London during 2011. Eventually moving to Kent and founding Clemo + Finch in October of 2020.


In addition to manufacturing beautiful cabinet handles, in late 2022 Clemo & Finch are launching a range of pendant lights - perfect for over a dining table or island!



 

PHILIPS HUE for a smart kitchen


Having used Philips Hue porch and garage outdoors lighting I can honestly say I want more! With a fabulously minimalistic switch that can be mounted on any flat surface, and with the ability to connect multiple lights together (perfect for recessed downlights in large kitchen extensions), Philips Hue really is the way forward in terms of smart lighting.


What's best, their bulbs are compatible with Amazon's Alexa, Apple Homekit, CORSAIR, Google Assistant, Spotify, Samsung Smart Things and IFTTT.


We love using Philips Hue LED strips under cabinets or around an island plinth


 

FABBIAN lighting products


Fabbian was established in 1961 as a company manufacturing lighting appliances for residential and commercial purposes. This culture, along with tradition and quality, has always inspired their products, allowing the company to achieve international recognition and stature.


The company is based in the North East of Italy, where all collections are conceived, developed and manufactured.


Thanks to the collaboration with renowned architects and designers and a technologically advanced production plant, all products have their own distinctive design.


Try the Claque F43 ceiling lamp, available in 3 sizes for a contemporary look


 

Jonathan Coles Studio


Jonathan Coles Studio is a multi award winning, British light manufacturer based in Henley-On-Thames. Established in 2006, they are a creative team of designers, engineers and craftsmen with a mission to create beautiful, handmade products.

Our product of choice: the Fresnel Collection over an island

Timeless and elegant this contemporary classic is inspired by Art Deco and Mid-Century design. Precision engineered in brass with a solid machined top and base securing a hand-blown reeded glass shade that radiates with a comforting warm light. The pendants are available in three lengths and a range of finishes.



 

SPARK & BELL


It's no secret that Emer Gillepsie is obsessed with brass but the Brighton based designer maker's latest collection features lots of lovely wood and recycled plastic. Head to their website (they are also on ETSY) to buy direct or to ask for a custom made product. They will be happy to turn your ideas into reality!

Our product of choice:'Rian' Metal Stem Pendant Light - SMILE Recycled Plastic Shade over an island


 

ASTRO Lighting


Astro is a British brand that I first considered for our bathroom lights as they have a great collection that is IP65 rated for areas with high humidity levels.


Since 1997, Founders John Fearon and James Bassant have shared a passion for British lighting design and a vision to create products with distinctive quality. Obsessive over the details, they refine elements others may overlook. Think of future-proofed designs with a pared-down aesthetic.

Our product of choice: Ascoli single spotlight in bronze


 

Corston Architectural Detail


Corston Architectural Detail was started by a team of creative designers and engineers with a shared vision to create hand finished architectural details that seamlessly flow from room-to-room.


Their coordinating collections of solid brass switches, sockets, door handles, furniture handles, hardware and lighting are made to last. They tend to stay away from short-lived trends. Instead they focus on creating timeless designs that’ll feel at home in any home, from a contemporary new build to a listed Georgian townhouse.



 

Hudson Valley Lighting


Hudson Valley Lighting Group has been a dominant force in the American lighting market for more than thirty years, maintaining a steady stream of growth with its contemporary repertoire of modish designs.


The company itself is comprised of four separate brands, Hudson Valley Lighting, Mitzi, Troy Lighting, and Corbett Lighting – with each brand having its own fashion-forward fingerprint.


The designs available from the autumn/winter 2022 launch are the result of superior craftmanship, built to both last and make a lasting statement. The brand-new lighting families include sconces, pendants, chandeliers, and lamps.




 

kitchen design ideas

Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.

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