Lighting technology has come a long way since Thomas Edison invented the first lightbulb in 1879. Today lighting is not only a functional tool but also an important design element.
Dura Supreme kitchen design by Nanci Marsman of Standale Interiors, Michigan.
Lights Are Becoming Pieces of Art
Traditionally, the typical pendant light installation over a kitchen island has been three small pendant lights. However, recently kitchen designs are trending toward large, over-scale light fixtures and very decorative pendants that are the focal point of a room, the trend is toward fewer lights that are larger scale like a piece of artwork.
The traditional 3 pendant light design is a great way to light up an entire workspace and add beauty to the work zone.
There are many ways to incorporate lighting in kitchen design but there are clearly two trending ways designers are using to incorporate artistically oversized lights. I’d like to shed some light on these two popular methods, using double and single oversized light fixtures.
Kitchen design by Helena Steele of Golden Gate Kitchens, California. Interior Design by Susan Love Design. Photography by Christopher Stark Photography.
Double the Drama with Dualing Large-Scale Lights
Doubling up two large pendant lights eliminates the need for 3 small lights and helps stretch lighting across a longer space like a kitchen island, table, or peninsula. Here are a few examples of kitchen lighting over a countertop space with large-scale double light fixtures that are the main design element or “eye candy” for the room.
Kitchen design by Helena Steele of Golden Gate Kitchens, California. Interior Design by Susan Love Design. Photography by Christopher Stark Photography.
Dura Supreme kitchen design by Gwen Adair of Cabinet Supreme by Adair LLC, Wisconsin. Photography by Ryan Hainey.
Two overzied black light shades on pendant lights over a kitchen island.
Dura Supreme kitchen design by Gwen Adair of Cabinet Supreme by Adair LLC. Photography by Ryan Hainey.
For an extra-long countertop, like this grand sized kitchen island, you may want to use three oversized pendant lights to evenly light the space.
Dura Supreme Cabinetry design by Mariotti Building Products, Pennsylvania.
One Oversized Hanging Light
For an even more dramatic look, one gigantic oversized light fixture can be used to create a center focal point. Here are a few fantastic examples of kitchen designs that feature stunning and dramatic single light installations!
Dura Supreme kitchen design by Michels Homes, Minnesota. Photography by Landmark Photography.
Dura Supreme kitchen design by Mariotti Building Products, Pennsylvania. Photography by Danielle Coons.
Kitchen design by Helena Steele of Golden Gate Kitchens, California. Interior Design by Susan Love D
Using Large-Scale Lights to Define an Open Floor Plan
With the increasing popularity of open floor plans and tall ceilings, large-scaled pendant lights help create an eye-catching element that also helps define an area or a workspace. In some open concept homes, you may find the use of both double pendants and single to define the different spaces within the open floor plan.
This Dura Supreme kitchen design features dual oversized pendant lights to add function and beauty to the kitchen island while an even larger single light defines the breakfast nook area.
This kitchen features two grand sizes pendants over the kitchen island and one large chandelier over the dining room table to define the two spaces in the open floor plan. Dura Supreme design by Studio M Kitchen & Bath. Photo by Spacecrafting Photography.
There are plenty of options for oversized pendant lighting if you’re looking to create a specific look that will stand the test of time. How will you define your space and accentuate your home with oversized pendant light fixtures?
