Shining the right light on kitchen and table
The kitchen is far more than a functional workspace: it is the social heart of the home. Family and friends still gather round the “hearth” because it combines light, warmth and atmosphere. We sit together at the table, talk about the day and discuss things that matter to us. No wonder that it needs to be cosy. Meanwhile, at the stove and wherever food is being prepared, optimal lighting is essential.
Light in the kitchen combines functionality and wellbeing, increases our enjoyment and helps with kitchen tasks. Modern kitchens combine various light sources for optimum function and atmosphere. We therefore take a look at the main forms of lighting, discuss the role of the colour temperature and explain the secrets of the CRI (Colour Rendering Index).
Forms of lighting
It’s all about getting the right mix. This applies as much to the proper seasoning for a lasagne as to the kitchen lighting. Ultimately, for each task there is the perfect solution and a corresponding lamp.
Ambient lighting is what makes the room look inviting. The main illumination in the kitchen tends to come from recessed or surface-mounted lights or diffuse suspension lamps. The Turn Around System from Artemide offers many different possibilities. The central element of Turn Around is its small, narrow track measuring just 12.5 millimetres. The true freedom of the system lies in its flexibility. Countless lighting options can be accessed with ease: linear or dynamic curves, focussed beams or striking suspension lamps from the Artemide Design Collection – the system can be expanded with a multitude of lighting elements, bringing a solution for every lighting need.
Task lighting provides clear, direct light wherever vegetables are cut, pastry is crimped or meat is prepared. Under-cabinet lighting or well-placed downlights illuminate work surfaces directly without casting shadows. Suspension lamps such as Unterlinden from Artemide create focussed light for a kitchen island while enhancing the space with their outstanding design.
Accent lighting lends elegance to a kitchen and is perfect for highlighting open shelves, items of furniture or the architecture of the kitchen itself. Spotlights such as the Vector Spots from Artemide are an ideal choice as they offer precise lighting and can be integrated into solutions such as the Turn Around System.
Colour temperatures
Light comes in many different forms. We know this from the ever-changing sunlight: in the evening, it drenches the world in warm colours and creates a special mood, while the cold light of day is perfect for working.
The effect of light is described by means of its colour temperature in Kelvin (K). In the kitchen, the ideal colour temperature depends on the materials that are present: a warm light of 3000K brings out the softness of wood but would soon make modern work surfaces in concrete, marble or granite look “dingy”. They benefit from a neutral white light of 4000K.
CRI (Colour Rendering Index)
A high CRI ensures that food looks natural. The yardstick for this is sunlight, with almost CRI 100. Even the crispest apple looks dull at CRI 70 (right). It is completely different at CRI 100 (left). The colour rendering index of a light source for a kitchen should be at least 80, and preferably over 90, in order to make food and ingredients look appetising.
Dining area
When it comes to design, Artemide reveals its additional strength. Lamps such as La Linea, Stellar Nebula or Zephyr show that quality and creativity have their place above the kitchen table, from early morning to the relative calm of the evening.
