Kitchen Can Light Plan, please advise -

16 years ago

IÂve started putting in 5" recessed cans in my kitchen. All the holes have been cut except the one on the very top right of the drawing (shown in dark red color). Should the light be lined up with the right island light or the right bottom cabinet light?

Also, IÂm worried that the gap between the top left and top right gap would create a dark spot over the sink when you first walk in the kitchen. Obviously you can turn on the over the sink light, but I was thinking it would be nice not to have a dark spot. Would it make sense to move the top right (dark red) can to the left so it lines up with the right island light? How does the overall layout look?

I am planning on using Feit 15 watt Compact Fluorescent bulbs equivalent to 65 watts, I tried them in a few cans and they seem fine, but they take a long time to get up to full brightness.

Thanks!

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Comments (5)

Jon1270
16 years ago
It looks like you're putting fixtures in the right places, generally.

I'm not sure of the purpose of the one in the lower left, in front of the DR doorway; is it intended to light artwork or something else to be hung on the lower wall there? Is it just lighting a section of floor? I might think that through and adjust it a bit.

As to "a dark spot over the sink when you first walk in the kitchen," I wouldn't worry too much. It looks like that will be the brightest spot in the room during the day, thanks to the window. At night, everything will be dark until you flip a switch or two. Perhaps I don't understand your concern?

The CFLs will probably do a good job of providing general lighting for the room, but I'm wondering whether they'll light the counters brightly enough. I suspect you'll want undercabinet lighting to help with that.
ahkim
Original Author
16 years ago
Jon, thanks for the reply. The purpose of the lower left can in front of the door is just for general lighting. I was told by a contractor that it might be dark without it. It lights the floor and part of the bottom wall. The bottom wall there is empty, but we plan on putting art or something there. Should I put in a trim/baffle piece that can be directed to the wall?

My only concern with the dark spot over the sink is that I like even lighting and was concerned that when you turn on the lights to the kitchen that there would be a noticeable dark spot that would look funny. I'll leave the plan as is and see how it feels after its done.

I would like to put in under cabinet lighting but I haven't figured out how to hardwire it. Do you know of any posts that have ideas on how to do that? Would you agree that it looks "cheap" if I plug into the countertop receptacle?

Also, I like the thought of LED lights, but it seems that they are not as bright as xenon or CF lights. LEDs would be more decorative and not as functional. I'm sure they make LEDs that are as bright as xenon, but I assume they are very expensive. The LEDs I bought as a sample are $16 for a 1 foot section; I was planning on using them with a 6 inch space between them.

Thanks again!
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Okay, so positives first...I do like the elevations. And, I second the comment above that states that you should have things the way you want. With that being said, I would strongly advise that you enlist the help of an architect, or even a designer, because this house is very awkward at present. Here are a few of my concerns: 2nd bath- I wouldn't add the door that you mentioned. The space will become almost claustrophobic. The only time that it makes sense to put the toilet/tub in a room is when you have sinks on BOTH sides of this area. What advantage do you gain by closing it off with the current setup? Bedroom 2/3 (I think it says 3 but you mean 2)- Why is there the 2nd door? It seems redundant, and it affects potential furniture placement...again, what do you gain by having it there? Bedroom 3- this is tiny. Is it strictly a guest room that will hardly ever be used? Or, is it planned to be a home office? Bedroom 4- Again, it is small, but I am more concerned about the furniture placement as the room is very choppy. Dining Area- Do you anticipate all of your guests entering through the garage? If not, it is a little odd to not have a dedicated greeting area. There is no coat closet, and you have a powder room opening into the formal dining area. I'd do some reworking here. Living Area- goes back to my bedroom comment, what is that door there for behind the TV area? Laundry/Garage Area- WAY TOO MANY DOORS. I'd find a way to incorporate the closet into the laundry area, at the very least, to eliminate one door. Master Bath- I would not like having a door into my master bath that is accessible from the hallway. I can understand the wish for easy access to the room rather than walking around, but you are opening it up to becoming the "guest" bath rather than the other hall bath. (guests would rather use the private one than the one in the middle of the dining room.) If you are certain you want this door to the hallway, at least add a sink to the toilet room so that the guest who WILL use this bathroom will not have to walk into the full master bathroom to wash their hands. Master bedroom- Pretty choppy. Play around with furniture placement. Oh yeah- with every secondary bedroom, I'd consider using sliding closet doors over real doors. The rooms are so small that the regular doors will affect furniture placement. I like the loft area. I think that the catwalk will be nice and dramatic. Good luck. I think you still need to spend some time on the design.
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beacher003
16 years ago
I think your plan looks fine, including the lower left general lighting.
I wouldn't move the dark red because you want to keep the lighting balanced and you don't want the fixtures placed where you will create shadows while you're at the countertop.
I have a layout that is a bit like yours and it works fine. Under cab lights are great also because I like to cook and don't think you can have too much light in the kitchen.
As for a dark spot over the sink, honestly I don't that it's a bad thing. Even though I have a DW my sink always seems to have stuff in it and having it a bit darker is a good thing.
ahkim
Original Author
16 years ago
I got all my lights put in as shown in the plan and its plenty bright. I've got the CF bulbs all over except the 2 over the island are spot halogen and Wow, that really shows off the granite. I wanted to do flourscent under cabinet lights, but I've heard the color quality is just terrible. I'll probably go with xenon. Thanks!
saskatchewan_girl
16 years ago
Pics please : ) I'd love to see.

Kitchen Can Light Plan, please advise -

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Kitchen Can Light Plan, please advise -

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