Real Simple: An Unexpected Way to Use Kitchen Lighting
This article was originally published in Real Simple, where interior designers shared creative, unexpected ways to rethink kitchen lighting.
Real Simple
When most people think about kitchen lighting, they default to overhead fixtures or recessed cans. Yet some of the most impactful lighting choices are the ones that aren’t immediately obvious.
In this feature, I shared how thoughtful lighting placement can elevate a kitchen—adding warmth, dimension, and intention without requiring a full renovation.
Why Kitchen Lighting Deserves More Attention
Lighting is one of the most underutilized design tools in the kitchen. While it’s often treated as purely functional, a well-considered lighting plan can dramatically change the atmosphere of the space.
I encourage clients to think about lighting the same way they think about furniture or finishes. It should support how you move through the room, highlight architectural moments, and create layers—rather than relying on a single source of light.
When lighting is approached with intention, a kitchen becomes more inviting and naturally evolves into a cozy place for gathering.
The Unexpected Opportunity in Kitchen Lighting
One of the ideas I shared with Real Simple focuses on using lighting in places that are often overlooked. Areas that don’t traditionally receive decorative attention.
This can mean introducing accent lighting where task lighting is typically expected, using fixtures to draw the eye toward cabinetry, shelving, or architectural details, or creating contrast between functional lighting and softer, ambient layers. These subtle choices add depth and warmth, helping the kitchen feel more integrated with the rest of the home.
“I love the idea of making the kitchen feel more integrated with the home. One way I like to do that is by introducing furniture elements into the kitchen, like lamps, art, décor, and footed cabinetry that feel cohesive with the design ethos. Lamps especially add texture, color, and warmth.”
— Audra Samnotra, Founder of Social Swan Decor
This approach reflects how I think about kitchens overall. Not just as workspaces, but as gathering spaces that deserve the same level of intention as living rooms or dining areas.
What to Look for When Rethinking Kitchen Lighting
Rather than focusing on brightness alone, I suggest stepping back and asking a few guiding questions. Does the lighting create warmth as well as visibility? Does it highlight the right areas without overpowering the room? Does it layer naturally with daylight and other fixtures? And does it feel cohesive with the home’s overall design language?
When these questions are considered, lighting becomes a design feature, not an afterthought.
Lighting as a Design Layer
Lighting has the power to transform a kitchen in ways that are subtle yet significant. At Social Swan Decor, we treat lighting as a foundational layer of design. One that supports how you live while quietly elevating the space.