How to improve kitchen lighting

Kitchens often tend to be darker than we would like, unless they are blessed by a wealth of windows for natural light.

The reason for darker kitchens is that in the past, all the lights were installed in the ceiling, centered to spread the light as far as possible, and the kitchen would typically be enclosed by walls.

In order to improve the lighting, there are 3 things you can do:

1. Open up the kitchen to the other rooms; remove a wall, or part of a wall.
2. Add windows if possible, to increase natural light.
3. Install undercabinet lights; these put the light right where you need it when preparing food. They can be installed with dimmers to turn them up brighter when cooking, or down, in the evening for almost a nightlight type of illumination.

Of course, the ceiling lights can be replaced with updated fixtures as well, usually with low-energy type bulbs that reduce electricity usage while giving more light. Pendant lights also can put the light lower down, closer to a kitchen island for instance, as well as adding style and color.