How to Brighten Up Your Custom Kitchen Design With Effective Lighting

kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so it’s no surprise that many homeowners want to customize their space to fit their needs perfectly. The addition of built-in appliances and cabinetry can really streamline your kitchen space, but one of the most important aspects of custom kitchen design that many people overlook is light; natural light from windows, custom lighting fixtures, and under-cabinet lights can be used to brighten up your kitchen.

Going Green With LED lighting

LEDs are the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly light bulbs on the market. They last 25 times longer than standard bulbs, use 20% of the energy needed for other types of lighting, and produce a softer, natural light in kitchens.

The Importance of Softness

Private spaces are perfect for post-pandemic times.

Decorating for softness has become a popular trend in recent years, largely because it’s an easy way to create your own personal sanctuary from the chaos outside. The colors typically associated with a softer vibe are pale blues, greens, grays and browns. Accents of white and silver can also help make a space feel more calming. A few simple tricks will let you achieve that relaxed sense in any room of your home

Utilizing Natural Light

If you’re lucky enough to have lots of natural light, make the most of it! Even without natural light, windows can help by acting as a pass-through for daylight. Blinds are an effective way to control this daylight so it isn’t too bright or too dark during the day.

Avoiding Overhead Lighting

Overhead kitchen lighting can make the space feel cluttered, dreary and unsafe. The key is to make sure that you are using fixtures that allow for good functionality and give off a natural light. For example, recessed downlights with a frosted dome help your kitchen feel more open and approachable. Not only will this give the illusion of more space in your space, but it will also cast a pleasant glow throughout the room.

When You Need Additional Countertop Lighting

In order to achieve a light-filled atmosphere, we recommend adding some uplight fixtures that would shine a glow up onto the ceiling or towards the skylights. These fixtures can be installed on a track so that they can be moved or angled in any direction. They also offer diffusers for softer light as well as downlighting for tasks such as food preparation.

Check out our gallery or stop by our showroom to get all the kitchen design ideas of your dreams!

3 Reasons to Consider Natural Stone Countertops for Your Colorado Kitchen

Natural stone countertops are all the rage these days, and rightfully so. The natural beauty and durability of natural stone make it an ideal choice for kitchen countertops in Colorado homes, from rustic kitchens with farmhouse sinks to sleek modern kitchens with clean lines and cutting-edge appliances. Here are three reasons why you might want to consider incorporating natural stone into your kitchen design

Marble

Cleaning granite countertops
The natural beauty and durability of natural stone make it an ideal choice for kitchen countertops.

Marble countertops are so versatile, attractive, and easy to maintain that there is no other option when it comes to a kitchen. Here are three reasons why you should consider marble in your own kitchen: 

  • Marble countertops are very resistant to stains and scratches. Marble countertops have a long lifespan, and this is mainly due to the fact that marble does not scratch or stain easily. 
  • Durable and heat-resistant: even at its thinnest state of 2 mm, marble can withstand temperatures up to 180°C. 
  • Marble has become more affordable over the years as well because of how popular it has become among homeowners who want their kitchens to be durable and fashionable.

Granite

If you’re looking for a countertop that is both practical and beautiful, granite should be at the top of your list. One of the key benefits of granite countertops is durability. Granite countertops are so durable that they can withstand things like boiling water, saucepans, and knives without being scratched or damaged. Plus, with its natural beauty, granite will never go out of style. In addition to its durability, granite offers an attractive appearance that is sure to add value to any kitchen. And because it’s such a popular choice among homeowners, it’s easier than ever before to find a wide range of colors in all shapes and sizes, making it possible for every homeowner to get exactly what they want in their kitchen renovation project.

Soapstone

Marble counters are elegant, but the texture is likely not the best option if you have kids or pets. Granite, while durable and beautiful, has a tendency to be too hard on knives, even those with protective rubberized grips. This is why so many people in Denver turn to soapstone for their stone countertops in Colorado. A material that’s much softer than granite but offers comparable elegance and beauty, soapstone can bring something different into your kitchen without being difficult on your knives or countertop space. If you’re curious about how soapstone compares to other natural stone options, contact us at The Kitchen Showcase today. We can help you pick the best countertop option for your kitchen!