Before we get into the post, I want to make a little disclaimer. My photographic skills when it comes to interior house photography are still in the developmental phase. These photos aren't the best I've ever taken, but I know that you, my exceptionally clever readers, will get the idea despite my photographs.
So here we go...
In our last home, we did not have under-cabinet lighting. In fact, we've never had it in any of our homes. I've thought about it. I've thought that it would be a nice addition to the kitchen lighting scheme. But it's never been a priority. Until now.
Our current house has under-cabinet lighting. And now that I've experienced it. I. Will. Not. Go. Back. Neither the hubby nor I are fans of overhead lighting. We use ambient lighting almost exclusively...unless we have no other choice. We fill our house with lamps and use them, rather than the overhead fixtures, when at all possible. And now that I have under-cabinet lighting, that is the only way I light the kitchen in the evening. It's just dreamy.
Here are my (somewhat lacking) before and after photos...
BEFORE:
AFTER:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
The under-cabinet lighting floods down on these little vignettes and makes them POP! Not to mention the colors it brings out in both the slate tile backsplash and the corian countertops! I'm sold on it.
But because there can be limitations (and expense) to hardwiring under-cabinet lighting...I want you all to know that there are plug-in options available...in all price ranges. So go light up your kitchens!
Have a great Monday~
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24 comments:
oh i love this and must have it! and your pictures are wonderful!
I was going to do under the cabinet lighting but it was too costly. I got a little cranberry lamp at Target so I could see better! cheaper but I do love how your accessories POP!!
Several years ago my hubby installed under the counter lighting in our kitchen (fixtures from IKEA) and we loved it. Then the IKEA fixtures started to die and we couldn't find any replacements. And, yes, it is expensive to have an electrician put under the counter lights in - I asked an electrician what he would charge to do ours and he quoted $1,600! My hubby did it for a lot less - and on one side of the kitchen hubby was able to route the wiring up through the cabinets. One small section he couldn't so that one has to plug in the electrical outlet that shows. Hubby replaced the IKEA fixtures with standard GE ones from Home Depot and we love them. They don't flicker when turned on and it will be easy to replace bulbs or fixtures in the future. The fixtures at IKEA were more expensive - but the Home Depot are very nice and we like them better. We needed four fixtures and they cost around $35 a piece so for less than $200 we have nice under the counter lighting. Like you I love to turn them on at night and leave the ceiling light off. If you go to my blog one of my posts shows the kitchen under the counter lights on at night. Yours look beautiful. It's good to let bloggers know that they too can have lovely under the counter lighting without it breaking the bank.
Teacup Lane (Sandy)
well, it looks like a million times better to me...I love under cabinet lighting, shame I haven't got any cabinets here...I used to have it..and loved it at night when all else was dark
sarah
What a change, I love it!
I'm with you on not using overhead lights. I keep looking at under cabinet fixtures - they can be expensive - I don't want hot ones either. Your before and after makes me want to go get some.
I've never had under cabinet lighting, but I can see from your pictures what an amazing difference it makes. I agree with you on the overhead lighting - we have a ceiling fixture in our kitchen which we never use - we have lamps on the counter instead. Whenever my husband accidentally turns on the overhead light, I have the urge to run & hide in a dark corner somewhere - it's so harsh!
I am new to blogging, it's so much fun. I really enjoy your posts, I will be back to visit.
Have a wonderful day!
We are not big fans of overhead lighting either! Lamps with 40 watt max bulbs only...25 watt if I can. I would love to have under cabinet lighting even though I only have two small cabinets that I could use them under. Looks very nice!
LOVE it! What a difference it makes, huh?
We are currently in a rental, too. When we came and looked at this house, the owners had under cabinet lighting in the kitchen. I was thrilled! However, when we moved in, we noticed that they took it with them when they left. Phooey!
Signed,
In The Dark
The previous owners had outlets installed inside four cabinets, drilled a small hole through the bottom of the cabinet and then ran the wiring for the lights under the cabinets. All those outlets are controlled by the switch. Its great, we love them.
Wendy,
Wow what an amazing difference that makes. Love the way it does "pop" I am so delighted you are so happy with the outcome. Look forward to more of your terrific blog.
Warm wishes
Kate
I was given under cabinet light for Christmas and LOVE it! It is the plug in kind. Not expensive at all and makes a huge difference in the feel of the space.
It really does make a huge difference. Looks great in your kitchen, We have it as well and it's all we use at night.
xo,
LuLu
I am totally with you on the under-the-cabinet lighting. Installing some was one of the first things I did when I moved into our house 3 1/2 years ago.
we have under the cabinet lighting in our kitchen as well...the former owners installed it. I like it. Also my living room and den do not have overhead lighting...at first I thought it was weird but now I am used to it and really like it.
We just actually discussed such lighting! My parents put in lighting under their cabinets and it's wonderful! Got to squirrel away some extra cash and make a run to Home Depot.
Hope you're settling in. I've taken a bit of a blogging holiday. It's turning out to be more of a blogging sabbatical! I've made a resolution to get to bed before 10 pm every night. Holy crow! Sure has cut into blog posting:)
so funny as we just discussed this yesterday! It's at the top of our to do list!
I used cup hooks to run a string of lights (white wedding lights)under my cabinets. Right now I have cupcake cups on them for a vintage Valentine feel.
Oh I know what you mean. My house (3 houses ago) had under the cabinet lighting and dreamy it was! I loved the ambience it set not to mention the lighting was just right for cooking, baking, etc
Enjoy your new place!
We are like you...we prefer to only turn the overhead lights on if absolutely necessary. But, dimmers in our kitchen and dining area are still on my hubby's to-do list in our new house. I hope it's soon! I'm tired of being blinded by the light at dinner. :)
Very nice!
I have to admit I've never been a fan of under cupboard lighting, but ours have always been strip lighting which I loath. Perhaps the bulb version would change my opinion because your after pics are rather nice. xx
yes...great lighting;-)
xo
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