Have you checked out my Instagram lately? If not, you’re missing all the cool details I’m including in my new beach home. I’m building the forever home of my dreams and it is ANYTHING but boring! In fact, this home might be the most “Breegan” design I’ve ever touched. Most of that is due to the fact that I plan to live here for a very long time. That means I’ve assessed exactly how I want the space to function to best suit my needs, and then I proceeded to design for it. It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised at how many select design styles solely based on an image they have in their mind. For most people, aesthetics only go so far. This is especially true of kitchen design and even more specifically, kitchen lighting! So today, let’s discuss how to optimize your lighting in new and fresh ways.

Breegan Jane x SAVOY

Lighting has always been a favorite design element of mine. This is mainly because it’s one of the few items in a space that has as much power to transform the look of the room as it does to assist in the function of the space. Listen, lighting doesn’t just sit back and look pretty. It’s pretty with a purpose! I designed an incredible lighting collection with Savoy House that features 35 stunning pieces available at retailers now. When we were creating these fixtures I never lost sight of the ways people would actually use them. I design just as much for the person who wants a showstopper piece hanging in their dining room as I did for the mom who needs proper lighting for tutoring sessions at the breakfast nook. Each home, every room and all families will require something different. You should always be able to find what works best for you. I believe my lighting line does that and so much more!

Let There Be Light

One of the things that doesn’t get talked about enough is the need to light countertops and other surfaces in kitchens. We cook in our kitchens, we eat and gather in them, and we even sometimes work there. With so much life happening in this space, kitchen lighting definitely has to be able to keep up. When you are deciding on a fixture, ask yourself what you want to accomplish. If you do a fair amount of meal preparation on your kitchen island, perhaps a larger fixture that casts significant illumination is what you need. Linear chandeliers are awesome for this need because their shape alone gives you an elongated radiance. The Legacy 4-Light Chandelier is available in warm brass or matte black, and it is gorgeous! I love hanging a chandelier that feels significant above an island. 

If multiple lights speak to you more than a larger single fixture, pendant lights are your best friend! Pendants give you the opportunity to position your light in groups for maximum illumination. Multiple fixtures work together for a cohesive feel and appearance. It’s a sleek look I never tire of! The Pharos pendant light is ideal for a two or three light configuration. The Pharos comes in champagne-toned Noble Brass, and trust me, it wows! It’s no secret that I love using metallics in interior design. Brass happens to be my favorite, and when you see the richness of Pharos you’ll immediately see why!

Make a Statement

I get asked all the time about my start in interior design. The truth is, I didn’t begin with this career in mind. Did you know I owned my own retail store as a teenager? There’s more to that story, but I remember hanging so many chandeliers in that small space. It was iconic. Even at that age I understood the impact of a statement lighting piece. When you want your home to exude beauty and grace, lighting is a great place to focus your energy and budget. Chances are, your space is already equipped with the necessary electrical wiring. All that’s left is the fixture, and that’s the fun part!

The right kitchen lighting fixture can look and feel like art without ever needing to add color to your room. Boring lighting is sooooo yesterday. Find a piece that truly feels like you! Boa is the collection that made waves at Lightovation. With its tiered frosted glass feathers and warm brass finish, Boa takes glamorous to the next level. Listen, if you’re looking for a conversation starter, Boa needs to be in your cart not now, but right now.

I love tuxedo kitchens for their elegance and simplicity. They also make the perfect backdrop for an impressive accent like Boa or even the stately Atlas pendant. You don’t have to stress about figuring out how to “decorate” your kitchen. Choose amazing paint colors and hardware for your cabinetry, and then put the icing on the cake with a fabulous light. Let the kitchen lighting do the work!

No Corner Left Behind!

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics, let’s tackle the parts of kitchens that don’t get the love they deserve. Every now and then I’ll speak with someone who is going crazy trying to figure out how to literally shed light on a hard to reach corner in their space. If you have a spot that doesn’t work for a chandelier or pendant, and you’re not interested in a floor or table lamp, a sconce might be exactly what you need! 

Sconces are so underrated. They are arguably the most versatile lighting you can ask for, because they don’t require a ton of space. I designed several sconces for my lighting line with Savoy House to fit everyone’s tastes. The one pictured above is Lio. If you have a corner that feels a bit dim, or just needs a bit of extra attention and sparkle, check out my collection for the perfect sconce.

No matter what you choose for your kitchen lighting, be sure to do what works best for your household needs. The right lighting will never sacrifice form or function. Have fun, and happy lighting!

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