Designing Kitchens: Color, Lighting, & Details

Color Scheme 3

With natural wood and white established as the two major colors, blue is tried as an accent on the tile counter next to the range; other counters remain white. The walls are enlivened by blue-on-white “graph” wallpaper, which replaces the medium blue paint. To tie in vertical surfaces, the white shutters are replaced by light wood and white is again used on the table and on the floor. The design seems more balanced, and the color scheme begins to fall into place. ill.50

Planning Your Lighting

When you were creating your floor plans, you considered the natural and artificial light that would increase your ability to work efficiently in your new kitchen. And as you worked with color, you analyzed the quality of the room’s natural light. Now check for any areas that could use special attention. For example, you may have a corner for hobbies, eating, or household planning that deserves special lighting. You’ll want to take a second look at these areas after planning their colors and pat terns. Or you may have an area that receives strong sun light, which can create hot spots on counters or tables, rendering them useless at certain times of the day. You’ll want to plan window treatments that will minimize the effect of such strong light. Further, when natural light comes from only one source, it tends to create high contrast between the window opening and surrounding walls, which can produce glare. Your kitchen will have more balanced natural light if it comes from two sources—through windows on two walls or through one window and a skylight. If this is impossible, you’ll want to provide ample artificial lighting around your single source of natural light to soften the contrast.

You’ll also want to make sure your artificial light sources are positioned so they will not create shadows over your work surfaces. Most kitchens used to have a single, centrally located ceiling fixture; however, standing between that light source and a counter or table blocks the light, creating a shadow. In your new lighting plan, you’ll want to avoid this type of problem. If you want to use track lights, for example, position them so that light will come down directly over your work surface or, if the track is behind you when you’re standing at a counter, position the light so that its beam comes down either from your right or left, not from behind you.

Fluorescent and incandescent lighting. Using incandescent or fluorescent light is a personal choice. Fluorescents are popular because they cost less to operate, give off less heat, spread light more evenly and generally, and are easy to install. On the other hand, in candescent light is warmer, truer, softer, and more flattering. Therefore, you may want to use incandescent lights for general illumination and over eating areas. Under-cabinet fluorescents will provide even task lighting on counters, but if you choose this type of light, be sure to select a bulb that comes closest to natural daylight.

Finally, look for balance in your natural and artificial lighting. Make sure that no matter what time of day or night you’ll be using your kitchen, you’ll have the lighting you want without harshness, glare, or contrast.

Details and Accessories

Before you consider your design complete, take a look at the room’s detailing—molding, hinges, drawer and door pulls, hooks for oven mitts, holders for paper towels, and so on. The smallest details can complete your de sign or undo it. You can use something like a hand towel to create a single, bold color accent in an otherwise monochromatic color scheme. Horizontal door pulls can create yet another line that draws your eye back, which could be just right or the opposite of what you want. Narrow louvered blinds might be just the touch for your clean-lined kitchen or they could strike an odd note after you’ve worked hard to create the feeling of an old farm kitchen. Even exposed hinges could become prominent if the rest of your kitchen is highly stream lined—it might be better to use hidden ones. Look at all the detaiis in your kitchen that will complete your design. Give them the same attention you’ve given every thing else. Then, with your completed plans, you’ll want to do some careful cost estimating.

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Lighting and Details

With the major components of the color scheme determined, attention can be paid to smaller elements. Natural cane and chrome chairs are planned to tie In with the light oak cabinets and the stainless sink. Door and drawer pulls that echo the shape and color of chair bases are sketched in. Functional and simple light fixtures complement the design. Cost estimate comparisons are now limited to a specified range of products and materials that fit within a master plan.