The formula for designer kitchen lighting is simple: Work in layers. The most common mistake people make is centering one light fixture in the middle of the ceiling and assuming it can effectively light the entire kitchen. If you’ve ever admired a luxury kitchen, consider the lighting layout. Notice how illumination came from multiple light sources? There were under the cabinet lights, ceiling lights, and perhaps a few pendants over an island. Here’s how to work magic on your kitchen’s lighting design:

First and foremost, a kitchen should have fantastic counter lighting. It’s your primary location for slicing, chopping, and reading recipes, and it’s often overshadowed by upper cabinets. Adding under cabinet lights to illuminate your countertop space will make your kitchen easier, and more enjoyable, to cook in. You can opt for plug-in fixtures and snake the power cord to a plug behind the refrigerator or above the microwave, or call an electrician to hardwire the lights to power for a cleaner look.

Second, add a bit of accent lighting. This is the element that will give your kitchen a decorative focal point. Do you have a piece of artwork that would benefit from a spotlight, or a tile backsplash that would sparkle with wall washing light from an adjustable recessed trim? Another way to incorporate accent lighting is to install in-cabinet lighting with glass cabinets to illuminate china and glassware. If you love to entertain in your kitchen, you’ll appreciate the effect of accent lights – it makes the entire room more festive.

Finally, ensure you have general lighting covered. Basically, this type ensures the light levels are adequate to enable you to move around safely. It can be achieved using recessed light fixtures, pendants, or flush mount ceiling lights. General lighting sets the stage and creates the perfect backdrop for task lights and accent lights.

Every designer incorporates those three types of lighting into a luxury kitchen. Are you ready to put a professional touch on your kitchen lighting?

This guest post was written by Emily Widle, a blogger for online lighting retailer Pegasus Lighting. At www.PegasusLighting.com, you’ll find a variety of wide variety of residential lighting, including task lighting kitchen fixtures, recessed lights, wall sconces, and more.