In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman chats with Luke Thomas, Design Director at the award-winning John Cullen Lighting. With over 17 years of experience in architectural lighting, Luke brings a wealth of knowledge on how to effectively design lighting for multifunctional kitchen spaces. From layering light and managing colour temperature to ensuring lighting complements materials and layout, this episode shines a light on how to create kitchens that are both functional and visually stunning.

Key Takeaways

Lighting as Theatre: Luke explains how lighting should enhance the overall ambience, highlighting what you want people to see and hiding the rest, similar to set lighting in theatre.

Layering is Key: Avoid the grid of downlights. Instead, use a mix of task, ambient, and accent lighting to create depth, contrast, and warmth.

Function Meets Aesthetics: Lighting should align with cabinetry, materials, and room layout. Plan lighting early in your project for seamless integration.

Colour Matters: Choose the right colour temperature and invest in high CRI (colour rendering index) lighting to truly showcase materials like timber and stone.

Lighting Design Process: From concept through to completion, John Cullen Lighting offers a full end-to-end design service that includes consultation, technical planning, and on-site visits.

Best Moments

"Lighting is one of those things you can’t touch but you feel its impact the moment you walk into the room."

"If you’re lighting your worktop, place the light above it, not behind you, or you’ll just cast a shadow."

"Colour temperature isn’t about brightness. You can have warm lighting that’s just as bright as cool light, it’s all about the feel."

"You could have the most beautiful kitchen in the world, but if you light it badly, it’ll never feel right."

"Lighting isn’t the cherry on top, it’s the glue that holds everything together."

About the Host

Faye Newman is a freelance Kitchen Designer with eight years of experience in the industry. With a background in furniture design and a passion for creating spaces that reflect the essence of the home, Faye brings a unique perspective to kitchen design. Her dedication to client satisfaction and love for her craft shines through in every project she undertakes.

Connect with Faye Newman Design:

Visit: www.fayenewmandesign.com for kitchen inspiration and design resources.

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