The NKBA 2027 Kitchen Trends Report revealed that lighting is quickly becoming the most powerful design tool in the kitchen. This panel discussed layering ambient, task, and statement fixtures to create kitchens that engage the senses as much as they perform.
Taniya Nayak, Taniya Nayak Design
Naomi Sperling, Maxim Lighting
Moderator: Sarah Shelton, Luxe Interiors & Design
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and lighting is an important part of that.
Marie Cloud, who has a background in neuroscience, said that she takes a holistic approach to lighting with her clients.
“We see what clients need in the morning when they’re making coffee all the way to winding down for the night. You have to meet them on a human level and be curious about how they do life at home. How they live throughout their day dictates the lighting strategy.”
Naomi Sperling noted that lighting trends are unique, because people don’t typically change lighting unless it’s portable. If there isn’t the budget to rip it all out, we have to ask what we can do with the space we already have.
“I think there’s now an emphasis on under-cabinet lighting because houses are being built with huge open floor plans, so you lose intimate spaces,” said Sperling. “Depending on where they are in their renovation appetite, if they’re not changing the cabinets, then they’re looking at new ways to incorporate lighting.”
Taniya Nayak discussed how she approaches different projects. “For restaurants, I want to know who their clientele is, their price point, the flow of the restaurant,” she said.” With residential we’re catering to that one person or family and how they live in the home.”
When it comes to color, lighting needs to not just compliment the color–but bring out the essence of it. To make sure initial lighting selections are complementing a space, Cloud and her team have regular “lighting checks” throughout projects.
As with most projects, collaboration can be key.
“As designers, we’re great at our craft, but we don’t have to pretend we know everything,” said Nayak. “It’s ok to reach out to a lighting consultant or designer, especially if a client is spending a lot of money. It’s okay to not have all of the answers.”
