A Well-Lit Kitchen Photos 05

Kitchen Remodeling Photos :  A Well-Lit Kitchen Photos 05

A REDESIGNED WINDOW ON A WEST-FACING WALL helps soften the afternoon sun .The whole window area was bumped out and framed at the top with a steel angle that takes up less room than the old 2X wood header. A glass-block panel and new casements set at the outside edge of the bump-out help screen the setting sun.

SKYLIGHTS ON BOTH SIDES OF A GABLED ROOF brighten this kitchen in the woods; trees help keep sunlight diffuse. At night, sconces shine on the gable end and sides, and the yellow paint keeps the ambience warm.

A Well-Lit Kitchen Photos 04

Kitchen Remodeling Photos :  A Well-Lit Kitchen Photos 04

THIS DINING AREA DIRECTLY OFF THE KITCHEN is defined by an octagonal coved ceiling with dimmable perimeter lighting, a pendant light, and windows that let in a phenomenal view.

MORNING LIGHT IS WELCOME IN THIS COUNTRY HOUSE, so the narrow window above the range isn't fitted with shades.The southfacing window over the sink does have protection from a porch overhang. Lighting is provided by pendants, recessed downlights, and range-hood lights.

A Well-Lit Kitchen Photos 03

Kitchen Remodeling Photos :  A Well-Lit Kitchen Photos 03

THIS 2-FT. BY 6-FT . SKYLIGHT WELL HAS SPLAYED sides to reflect light throughout the kitchen. The skylight is glazed w ith a double layer of translucent fiberglass panels. Low-voltage halogen fixtures slide on a curved track for easy adjustments.

A SOUTH-FACING CLERESTORY WINDOW above this dining area allows sunlight to bounce off the upper wall and diffuse throughout the space.Randomly placed glass blocks bring in more soft light in an artful way.

THIS BAY OF NARROW, DOUBLEHUNG WINDOWS is supplemented by windows on the adjacent wall, making a light-filled, cheerful kitchen that's easy to work in. Tiny low-voltage halogens and recessed downlights dramatically light the kitchen at night.

A Well-Lit Kitchen Photos 02

Kitchen Remodeling Photos :  A Well-Lit Kitchen Photos 02


Natural Light

W INDOWS ENLARGE A KITCHEN by extending the view, and add a quality of light that artificial fixtures can't march. Guidelines suggest that windows equal 10 percent of the floor area, but that's abare-and dark-minimum.The trend to replace wall cabinets with windows makes for a brighter kitchen.

How a kitchen is oriented affects window size and placem ent. North light can be pleasantly diffuse for working at a counrertop. South-facing windows provide solar heating in winter months when the sun is lower in the sky.To keep out summer heat,provide a deep roof overhang or shades. Windows facing east or west are a mixed blessing. Morning sun can be a delight, but west-facing windows need shades to lessen the glare of afternoon sun. Windows on facing or intersecting walls make light that's brighter yet less glaring than a single, large window. Windows close to a wall, ceiling, or countertop bounce light off those surfaces.

WALL-TO WALL. BACKSPLASH -TO CEILING GLASS allows a full view of the woods from this kitchen. Glass panels are joined simply at the corner. It's a more fragile detail than fitting w indow frames into a standard wall, but it really brings in the outdoors.

A Well-Lit Kitchen Photos 01

Kitchen Remodeling Photos :  A Well-Lit Kitchen Photos 01

A kitchen can be fitted with the finest of materials and the latest appliances, but it'll be a dismal place if badly lit day or night.Lighting makes a radical difference in how easy-and pleasant-it is to cook,eat, cleanup, and socialize. For much of the day direct and diffuse sunlight add warmth and atmosphere, especially welcome in the morning. If light is prized but heal is not, consider seasonal shading by way of overhangs and trees, and install interior shades or curtains.

Regardless of how much natural light your kitchen receives, artificial light is crucial as well. Task lighting is essential for safe and pleasant cooking, while ambient lighting is essentialfor well-being,and well-placed accent lighting provides the garnish.All kitchens especially those that open to the dining room or family room-will benefit from lighting that's adjustable. If task, ambient,and ornamental lighting are wired separately,anadjacent dinner party can be bathed with light while scullery work stays in shadow. Carefully zoned lighting, along with economical light fixtures, can reduce your electrical bill, too.

A BALANCE OF TONE SAND LIGHT SOURCES makes this a beautifully lit kitchen.The high ceilng is darker to keep it from floating away,and the port hole window is deep to make for more diffuse light.Tiny halogen down lights are recessed in soffits for task and ambient lighting.The dishwashing workspace is bumped outto provide a corner full of windows.

Kitchen Walls and Ceilings 03

Kitchen Remodeling Photos : Kitchen Walls and Ceilings 03

WHITE OAK FLOORS WITH A GLOSSY FINISH and glossy white paint on ceilings reflect light beautifully in this renovated Craftsman-style kitchen . New shallow box beams (mahogany to match th e cabinets) are fitted with custom -designed Arts and Crafts-style ceiling fixtures.

THESE EMBOSSED METAL CEI LING TILES with metal cove trim make a dazzling and heat -resistant kitchen ceiling.

A BASEMENT DOOR THAT DOESN'T GET MUCH USE doubles as wall space when it is glazed with panes of commercial -grade chalkboard to make a family message center in a busy kitchen .

Kitchen Walls and Ceilings 02

Kitchen Remodeling Photos : Kitchen Walls and Ceilings 02

PAINT TAKES THIS KITCHEN INTO WHIMSICAL REALMS, along with the fancifully cut wood applied to cabinets and walls.

THE GLOSSY, WHITE BEADBOARD CEILING in this airy kitchen reflects light from corner windows and cove lights, making a bright balance to the wood tones of floor and cabinets.

THE DRAMA AND BEAUTY OF A TREE-TRUNK POST called for something more than the standard drywall ceiling.A gently arched strip-oak ceiling calls up the image of curves on a boat.Coved edges provide space for lighting and beveled skylights are custom designed to fit the ceiling.