Opun Magazine Autumn 2016 | Page 10

YOUR DREAM KITCHEN

3. Maximise clear counter space
Even in the largest of kitchens it can sometimes feel
like there’s just not enough readily available space on
the worktops as we clutter them up with seldom-used
breadmakers, juicers and spiralizers. Invest in plenty of
shelves and pull-out pantry solutions to keep rarely
used appliances hidden to free up space on your surfaces.
You’ll thank yourself halfway through Sunday lunch prep

when you’re looking for a place to put down that scorching
hot pan of roast potatoes!
4. Remember to plan your lighting
Lighting should be one of the first things you think about
when designing a new kitchen. That’s because of the
plethora of different activities that typically go on in the
average kitchen; breaking the lighting up into different
circuits is a good idea so you can tailor it for what you’re
doing and which parts of the room are in use.

You’re going to want to install both a set of bright
‘task’ lights for activities like cooking, cleaning and other
housework, and some ambient lighting for when you’re
entertaining or socialising in the kitchen. This can be
achieved through a combination of overhead lighting
and ceiling-facing accent lights on top of cabinets.
All imahges © iStock.com/ 1&3 JR-stock | 2 Ivan Stevanovic

Types of kitchen lighting

1
GENERAL

In the kitchen, general lighting usually
refers to the powerful ceiling-mounted
lighting that illuminates the whole room
brightly. This is the kind of lighting
you’re going to want to use for tasks
such as cleaning or carrying out other
household tasks within the kitchen.
If you have a large kitchen, then it’s
advisable to break up your overhead
lighting into sections, allowing you to
only light up the areas of the kitchen
you’re using at that specific time.

10 | MAKE LIFE EASY® | AUTUMN ISSUE

2

3

TASK

Task lighting in the kitchen commonly
refers to lights such as below-cabinet
lighting that you use on occasions where
you need bright light for those chores
like chopping veg or carving meat.
This type of lighting is as much there
for safety as convenience. Above the
hob it can be a good idea to choose an
extractor with in-built light to help you
see while you cook. If you’re going to use
an island for baking, then opt for some
pendant or recessed lighting as well.

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© iStock.com/piovesempre

kitchen every time you turn the on stove to fry an egg.
Not only do poorly ventilated kitchens flood with steam
and smoke when in use, they also start to feel sticky and
greasy and accumulate an unfortunate odour that’s hard
to get rid of as particles of food and fat linger in the air.
Even in a windowless kitchen, this unpleasant problem
can be avoided by installing a decent extractor fan.

AMBIENT

Ambient lighting is probably the most
overlooked type for kitchens, which is a
shame because it’s a pivotal element for
creating an intimate atmosphere perfect
for relaxed suppers at the kitchen table,
or for just unwinding with a cup of tea.
Ambient lighting should be dimmer and
warmer than the other lighting in your
kitchen, and could stem from things
such as floor lamps with coloured shades,
candle light, or even ceiling-facing strip
lights above kitchen fittings.

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