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Lighting up your kitchen

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Lighting in the kitchen is an important aspect of the design and has a number of functions to perform, apart from function the kitchen can be a great feature in your house even when it is not in use.

Lighting functions can be divided into a number of distinct categories:

General or ambient lighting

Ambient, or general lighting, is the overall lighting that feels a space, thereby reducing contrast and lighting vertical and horizontal surfaces. The most common form of general lighting is natural light, which is complimented with artificial lighting (which can be recessed or ceiling mounted) during night time hours. Ceiling height, together with the number of skylights and windows, plays a key role in determining how much artificial lighting is required. General lighting units are usually placed 1.5 m – 1 m apart and bulbs equivalent to 100 W are the most popular for kitchens. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the ceiling, the closer the lights should be placed. For ambient kitchen lighting, fluorescent lighting is well suited for the job as it provides broad, even illumination. Fluorescence are also efficient and can be dimmed. As LED and compact fluorescent lighting improves, designers will have other options to compliment general lighting.

Task lighting

Task lighting, as the name suggests, is needed to provide light where tasks are performed. The main areas of a kitchen that requires the most attention to task lighting are the cooking, food preparation and cleanup zones.

Task lighting should be good quality, bright, shadowless light that is situated above counters, sink areas, cooking zones, tables and the like. It is ideal to have the fitting close to the area which needs to light.

It is a good idea to get a lighting plan done at the same time as the kitchen design, most good lighting retailers will have an in-store lighting designer who may suggest solutions that you have not considered. The lighting designer is also a great source of information about new products as well as up-and-coming releases.

The lighting plan should take into consideration the natural light available, task lighting requirements, general lighting needs and mood lighting (if it is to be incorporated). The most common task light source is a down light. These are often small diameter lights that are recessed into the cupboard above the ceiling and provide a natural white light.

Accent lighting

Accent lighting is used to make an item into a special feature and can be a part of the mood lighting plan. Accent light will draw the eye, so it should be used to lure attention to an object or particular part of the kitchen. A particularly bright splashback, for example, can benefit from accent light that highlights its position as a special feature within the kitchen.

Decorative lighting

Decorative lighting refers to inclusions such as chandeliers or light art. The item is included as a decorative peace rather than functional, although its late can be used to enhance mood. Consult the lighting designer if this type of light fitting is required as they will need to ensure that it does not conflict with other lighting in the room.

Kinetic lighting

Kinetic light refers to light sources that are not stable and might flicker and move, such as a candle or transitional light. These can be used to great effect in the kitchen, particularly at night where a softer and more gentle light can be used after the meal is served and there is no longer a need for general or task lighting. Strip LEDs are often used along kickboards or at the top edge of cabinets to create this type of light and today’s technology means the light can transition through a colour spectrum, which can look spectacular.

Mood lighting

No longer simply about functionality and task oriented illumination, mood lighting has found its way into modern Australian kitchen design, following the European trend. Many manufacturers have introduced products that specifically apply to this concept. Lights have become smaller, more elegant, economical and even easier to mount, making it easier for kitchen designers to incorporate them into their designs. Reflecting the latest European light designs, strip and spotlights, low-voltage halogen lights, and flush and surface mounted LEDs are now featured in cabinet, shelves, niches and plinths.

Light types

Natural light – space as the name suggests, natural light comes from sources such as windows, skylights, glass sliding doors, stacker doors etc. Most kitchens today have at least some access to natural light and, because of the Open Plan nature of most homes, it is fairly uncommon to come across a kitchen with no external windows or doors in the adjoining spaces. Because natural light waxes and wanes during the day and evening, and will be at varying strengths at different times of the year, it cannot be relied on as the only light source in the kitchen. However, clever lighting design can make the most of what natural light is available and make it work within the overall lighting plan for the room.

Incandescent – incandescent lights have been the traditional light source used in Australian homes for many years but have been phased out for most common household applications. Bulbs come with either bayonetOr Edison screw fittings and are available in 10, 15, 25, 40, 60, 75, and 100 watt options in either clear or pearl. Incandescent lights run off a 240 V source and can usually be dimmed.

Fluorescent — New-generation fluorescent lights are an extremely energy efficient, long-lasting source of light. Compact versions can be mounted into the traditional incandescent, bayonet and screw in fittings. The compact fluorescent my last up to 16,000 hours. Fluorescent globes have an equivalent brightness to an incandescent globes, so you can still achieve the same lighting levels. Fluorescents are available in cool and warm tones. The tone can have a significant impact on the quality of the light, so it is important to choose the right tone for the right location. Compact fluorescent lamps are good in downlights and are a particularly good source of light in the kitchen as well as being a great energy-efficient option.

Halogen or dichroic – These two terms are often interchanged and refer to small diameter lights that you will see in recessed light fittings. Halogens require transformers to change standard 240-volt power to 12 volts. They are specifically designed for task lighting but commonly misused as general lighting. Halogen or dichroic lights are best used in combination with florescent or incandescent lights to achieve a general ambience.

LED – LED is an acronym for light emitting diodes and refers to the action of the electrons which release photons when turned on. A highly flexible and adaptable piece of equipment, LED is now more commonly used in the home to create mood or highlight features of the kitchen. LEDs can be used for task and ambient lighting and is a great way to introduce colour into a kitchen design.

As they are almost maintenance free, you should expect to obtain around 100,000 hours of use from LED lights. One of the most energy efficient lighting options, LEDs are a great option for any environmentally conscious homeowner. As designers become more adept at including LEDs into their designs, we are likely to see the incorporation expand to different areas of the home including wardrobes, bedrooms, home theatre, stairs and the like. LEDs can be installed under countertops, around toe kicks, behind glass panels and a host of other interesting places.

On any kitchen project, a licensed electrician must carry out all electrical work and all such work is to be undertaken in accordance with Australian standards

Essential lighting tips

  1. start with the end in mind. Make sure that lighting is designed into the project near the beginning – this will provide a better and well thought through result.
  2. lighting can be used for functional purposes or to set the mood when entertaining. Lighting can dramatically transform the mood of the kitchen as a lifestyle entertainment area.
  3. the kitchen is now more than a functional area, so research or lighting options to suit your personality and lifestyle early in the process.
  4. Use quality lighting – check the specifications for hours of usage. Better quality lighting should give you longer usage hours
  5. LED lighting provides a wide range of options, including task or mood options, uses lower levels of energy and is cooler than halogen or other lighting i.e. generates less heat.
  6. Some brands of LED lighting is ‘plug and play’ it can easily be installed with some design pre-planning as a DIY project, as the range does not require an electrician.
  7. research the range of switch options – there are many different options that enhance the chosen lighting system.
  8. when purchasing lighting make sure it has been tested and meets Australian standards. If not, you are taking a potentially dangerous risk.
  9. Lights can also be used internally, allowing your dark internal cupboard to be brought to life. Homeowners will enjoy the newfound ability to locate items that previously were difficult to find, making storage and much more user-friendly experience. To allow for lights within your cabinets make sure they are connected to a contact switch where the light will only turn on upon opening the drawer cupboard door.

At Benchmarc we will work with you to create you ideal lighting design for you next kitchen. Call us today.

Space planning – workflows and traffic flows

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An important part of planning a kitchen is to consider how the work and traffic should flow and through the kitchen space.

A kitchen by Benchmarc for a Canberra home

A designer should look not just at the kitchen but also at the surrounding rooms. The traffic flow should not disrupt the cook as they work in the kitchen.

Another important consideration in the design process is to work out if the main cook is left or right handed. This will have an impact on how they use the space.

A standard kitchen workflow includes the following zones:

    • food storage zone
    • food preparation zone
    • food serving zone and
    • the clean-up zone

Sonja McAuliffe from Archertec Interiors says, “Careful planning is the key when it comes to ensuring that a space is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The first step is to identify all the crucial elements that are required within the kitchen and then, as they are being placed constantly think about how the space will look and work if you place items here or there. Also, consider the impact the item may have on other elements that need to work in the same space. Will they cause a clash of people or appliances if they are being used at the same time?”

Design Tips

  • When planning the space, carefully consider how the work should flow using a logical sequence for the functions to be carried out in each of the work zones
  • The kitchen should be oriented to either the left or right handed requirements of the primary user to create a comfortable workflow from left to right or right to left respectively
  • Allowing for an effective traffic flow in and around the space is an important factor in the design
  • Where possible, avoid the inclusion of a major thoroughfare that cuts through the kitchen’s workspace, as this will constantly disrupt functions within the workspace
  • Consider all required and recommended clearances to ensure the Unobstructed, safe and effective use of the kitchen.
  • Regardless of the size or shape of the kitchen, priority must be given in the planning stages to eliminate any design flaws affecting smooth traffic flow and transition through the work zones
  • Pull-out units and moving corner units are great storage options within the design layout. However, ensure you have allowed enough space for their efficient function in traffic flow areas
  • The refrigerator is the most commonly used appliance in the kitchen, therefore it needs to be given priority when placing appliances. Ideally it needs to be easily accessible from all areas in the kitchen and from adjoining rooms.
  • Hey second sink close to the cooktop is an ideal solution where the kitchen covers a large area and the distance travelled between the main sink and cooktop is not ideal
  • Avoid placing a fridge of freezer hard up against the wing wall as this will limit full access to the baskets or drawers because the appliance stores will not fully open
  • Discuss design options with your client such as the recommendations for the specific clients placements and the importance of facilitating a natural work flow sequence
  • Fridge drawers and dish drawers have an effect on the work triangle and allow to designers more flexibility in the design

For more information give us a call at Benchmarc kitchens and joinery your local Canberra kitchen company.

Kitchen Storage Design Tips

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When planning your new kitchen it is important to consider future needs as well as plan for today. In this article, we give you some tips about kitchen storage design tips. There are different zones to be aware, these being the food storage zone, preparation zone storage and clean-up storage zone.

  • Storage needs should be managed according to your needs, incorporating ergonomic considerations and the location of planned work zones
  • Items should be stored in the work zones in which they will be used
  • Those items that are used together should be stored together
  • It is recommended that heavy equipment be stored in lower spaces where it can be safely retrieved
  • With all food for cooking and baking prepared in this area, the preparation zones is the pivotal point in the kitchen
  • Pantries can be positioned at the perimeter of the kitchen layout and can have slimmer shelves and cabinets, which often make it easier to see stored items
  • The sink and the sink cabinet, as well as the dishwasher, are located in the centre of the clean-up zone. This zone is frequently used and therefore should be well planned and organised.
  • Different styles of drawer runners, different heights and depths to drawers, corner drawers, drawer inserts for special-use items, full-extension drawers and handle-free options are all items today’s designers have at their disposal
  • Aim to offer flexibility in the storage solution – avoid over-customising (for example, do not measure and plan for the placement of every current gadget, platter and food packet). Families grow (and grow up), new appliances are purchased and occasionally extra storage will be required for special occasions and celebrations.

When you are ready to have your new kitchen designed or would like to renovate your existing kitchen give us a call to get started.

Ideas for your next Kitchen Makeover

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Springtime has finally sprung, and this is an excellent time to start your home renovations right here in Canberra.

With many choices readily available to the typical homeowner, it can be challenging to establish the most affordable home improvements. This is especially hard for people that are trying to ready their homes available for sale throughout the very best marketing period which is typically late spring and early into the summer months.

One of the easiest as well as most economical house enhancement projects is the kitchen makeover. Australian family members spend a great deal of time in the cooking area and also those shopping for a brand-new home place a lot of emphasis on great kitchen design.

If you are keen on updating your kitchen area, whether for your household or for a possible customer, the following ideas can help greatly.

There is no need to change your kitchen cupboards if they are constructed from genuine wood. Lots of people enjoy the concept of natural timber cupboards so instead of changing them, why not consider upgrading them?

Adding a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the appearance of your kitchen cabinets. It is easy enough to remove the cabinet doors and also paint them. Consider using one of the antique finishes that have come to be so prominent in current times.

Altering the hardware is a basic means to offer your kitchen cupboards an upgraded appearance. There are plenty of design and styles offered, and a lot of them can be had at incredibly reasonable costs.

A top quality kitchen benchtop is one more feasible choice for upgrading the look of your kitchen area. A marble or granite kitchen counter might seem like a costly upgrade, however, if you are selling your home this easy upgrade might seal the deal for you.

If you are not in a position to take into consideration marble or granite, ceramic floor tile is the next best selection. The wonderful thing concerning utilising floor tile for a benchtop is the liberty that you have with the layout. Mosaic floor tiles have never ever been so prominent, so do not forget to allow your creative side to cut loose.

Here at Benchmarc Kitchens & Joinery we can assist renovate your kitchen area. Give us a call today.

Summary

Including a fresh layer of paint can do marvels for the appearance of your cabinets. It is sufficient to get rid of the cabinet doors as well as paint them. If you are not in a position to consider marble or granite, ceramic floor tile is the next ideal selection. The remarkable point concerning utilizing tile for a kitchen counter is the liberty that you have with the layout.

Tips for Kitchen Layouts and Design

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In this video, there are some great tips and ideas for when you are designing a new kitchen or a kitchen renovation.

Kitchen shapes

It is important to know the layout shape of the kitchen you will have in your home. What you select will depend on the space available. The different layouts include a galley, the L-shape, U-shape, Peninsula, Island, and the One Wall layout.

We go into more detail in our design tips post.

There will on most occasions, not just one layout to fit all homes and lifestyles. As a general rule, most kitchen designs will be variations on the basic layouts described above. Adaptations are made to suit the space you have and your needs.

Layouts Merging Outdoors

In Canberra there is the option of entertaining outdoors. There is nothing like a good bbq on a nice day to enjoy socialising with friends and family. The inclusion of an alfresco area can be a great addition. Sometimes this will include a full outdoor kitchen that is complete with sink, storage, refrigerator, pizza ovens and barbeques. Sometimes the internal kitchen might extend to an outdoor area.

When considering an outdoor kitchen you need to give careful consideration when selecting materials used in the construction of an outdoor kitchen. Come and visit us at Benchmarc Kitchens and Joinery to talk about your new home or renovation.

If you are in Chapman come and visit our kitchen display room in Mitchell.