Task lighting provides a direct beam of light to areas above kitchen sinks and to food preparation and cleanup centers. Lighting is equally important in a bathroom setting. Install the task fixtures in front of where you will be working to avoid shadows. Many types of fixtures, including recessed down lights, track lights, hanging pendent lights, and under-cabinet strip lights, provide excellent task lighting. It's best to have the lighting for each work center controlled by its own separate wall switch.
How much task lighting do you need during a kitchen or bathroom remodel? Each work center should be illuminated with either 100 to 150 watts of incandescent light or 40 to 50 watts of fluorescent light. What about under cabinet light? To light countertops that have cabinets overhead, strip lighting is needed. These fixtures have a thin profile and are almost hidden. As a general rule, a fluorescent tube should extend along approximately two-thirds of the counter it is illuminating and provide about 8 watts of power per foot of counter space.
Natural lighting - Maximizing the available natural light is a critical element in most kitchen and bathroom design plans. Consider adding windows or French doors or perhaps a skylight. If you are the primary cook and spend many hours preparing meals, you might enjoy a large, cheery window above the sink. Windows also provide fresh air, which eliminate heat from the area.
There are ways to increase natural lighting even if you don't have additional wall space to dedicate to windows. Consider replacing existing windows with taller units or add an additional fixed, arch-top window over an existing window. Remember though, that additional lighting can also mean more heat in summer, especially in Texas!
How much task lighting do you need during a kitchen or bathroom remodel? Each work center should be illuminated with either 100 to 150 watts of incandescent light or 40 to 50 watts of fluorescent light. What about under cabinet light? To light countertops that have cabinets overhead, strip lighting is needed. These fixtures have a thin profile and are almost hidden. As a general rule, a fluorescent tube should extend along approximately two-thirds of the counter it is illuminating and provide about 8 watts of power per foot of counter space.
Natural lighting - Maximizing the available natural light is a critical element in most kitchen and bathroom design plans. Consider adding windows or French doors or perhaps a skylight. If you are the primary cook and spend many hours preparing meals, you might enjoy a large, cheery window above the sink. Windows also provide fresh air, which eliminate heat from the area.
There are ways to increase natural lighting even if you don't have additional wall space to dedicate to windows. Consider replacing existing windows with taller units or add an additional fixed, arch-top window over an existing window. Remember though, that additional lighting can also mean more heat in summer, especially in Texas!
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