Here at Sea Pointe we have a few designers that like to call a remodel’s lighting plan the project’s “jewelry”. It’s kind of a funny idea, but a room’s lighting really can be the icing on the cake. Imagine that you just spent thousands of dollars on your dream kitchen, but when all is said and done there are shadows on your island or the space under the cabinets where you prep your vegetables is dark? Many people don’t place much value on the lighting design of a project because they figure that lights are just lights. Â But boy are they mistaken.A room’s lights can dramatically beautify a project with the flip of a switch.
First, start with Mother Nature’s greatest gift: light.
By strategically replacing your windows and adding skylights you’ll notice how little you need to turn on your interior lights when the sun’s up.Make sure to consider energy star-rated windows and doors to help control your home’s heating and cooling costs. Then work with a professional to develop a good lighting design.A well thought out lighting plan can improve kitchen function, appearance, and energy performance. Get the right mix of task and ambient lighting using energy efficient fixtures wherever possible. Try to keep recessed lights out of the ceiling if that ceiling is insulated since they pull energy out of the room.
With your design consultant you’ll want to consider three main types of lighting: ambient, task and accent. Ambient lights are the room’s general source of light which can be natural window light, skylights or ceiling can lights. Task lighting will be tailored light for accomplishing prep work, dishes, etc. This can be under-cabinet LED tape lights, puck lighting, or specifically placed overhead can lights. And lastly, accent lighting would include pendent lighting over an island or peninsula that adds drama and interest to a space. Accent lighting can also function as task lighting with mindfully designed.
It’s also important to reference California’s Title 24 energy conservation building codes when creating your lighting plan. On a very basic level, Title 24 requires homeowners to have at least half the installed wattage of luminaires to be high efficacy in kitchens and bathrooms must have vacancy sensors installed that will automatically turn lights off after a period of non-usage. Title 24 does not only apply to lighting, so check with your design consultant on what other areas may be affected in your home remodeling project.