Fresh Start Studio

Under-cabinet Lighting - don't make my mistake!

As a cautionary tale to those contemplating new under-cabinet lighting in your kitchen, don't do what I did. I allowed my electrician to "do what he always does" and install "puck" lights under our kitchen cabinets. First, I rarely allow an electrician free reign, but I was trying to be trusting and respect his experience, well my friends - don't! Watch 'em like a hawk!

The results were less than wonderful. Each puck projects its own light down on the back-splash area and counter top. Since they wired for only one puck per cabinet, the pucks are spaced out far enough that the "photometric spreads" don't overlap, creating shadows between the pucks. This has an odd effect and I am hoping, fingers crossed, that installing a slate backsplash material will minimize the impact of the shadows (the tiles having lots of shades themselves).

Some people may not care a wit if they have shadows on their back-splash, but I do. It is one of those nit-picky things that will bug me until (one day) I fix it. So, if it matters to you too, be fore-warned!

Our Kitchen with Puck lighting (at least they are low voltage) and shadows:

An example of properly lit back-splash. A variety of solutions are available to achieve this (i.e. rope lights, xenon, fluorescent):

Choosing Lighting

Choosing the host of lighting fixtures for our renovation has been the most difficult part of this project (the 2nd hardest was the paint colors!). One has to consider style, color, cost, voltage, wattage, placement, and whatever you choose needs to be in stock. There's also the question of whether you want the fixtures to be an artistic focal point or just provide ambiant light. Also, I found it daunting to be choosing fixtures before the rooms had any furnishings.

As my family happens to be in the lighting business (Hi Dad), I had some help with the exterior fixtures. Specifically, we chose specialty lighting from B-K Lighting that highlights all the features of the new screened porch. We are a low-voltage beacon in the night. No one will have trouble finding us from the water.

For the interior, I used Lighting Universe web site. I highly recommend them, they are patient, their paperwork and communications are clear and timely, and they have an amazing selection. The first group of fixtures I chose fell through because the chandelier was discontinued. Everything had to be canceled and then I started over. I ended up with the manufacturer Quoizel for all the coordinating pendants and chandelier.

When the lighting goes in, you know you are closing in on completion. We are 8 months into the project -- and almost done. Well, except for all the decorating!