Decorating & Design
October 27, 2015
Editor’s Picks: 7 Standout Kitchen Lighting Ideas
Interiors director Meg Crossley shares her favorite kitchen lighting ideas.
One of my first kitchen shoots for House & Home was at Tommy Smythe’s old house in Cabbagetown. It was the first time I had ever seen a truly oversized pendant light and I thought it was fantastic. A decade later, Tommy took me to 507 Antiques and I chose one for myself — an old French street lantern that now hangs in my dining room. But you don’t need to supersize your lighting to add drama to your space. I’m always drawn to light fixtures that are either vintage or antique, or good reproductions — it doesn’t matter if your style is trad or modern, a light fixture with patina gives your space soul. Schoolhouse-style flushmount fixtures, barn lights and sconces are all great options. Here are some of my favorites.
This retro light fixture’s bold black-and-white stripe will add standout style to your space, while its hand-blown opal glass diffuses light for a warm, welcoming glow.
Polished bronze metal contrasts the clear glass and clean lines of this modern light fixture for a timeless feel.
The clear shade on this sweet, but simple light showcases a retro cool Edison bulb.
An industrial iron shade is softened up with an enamel interior and a choice of muted, neutral hues.
This classic black sconce can be mounted facing up, too, but I think it looks more modern facing down.
A scissor arm gives a hit of vintage charm to this hard-working task light.
A solid brass fixture feels glam, while translucent opal glass lends a vintage vibe.
Michael Graydon
Cabinetry, Altima Kitchens; marble counters, Caledonia Marble; sink, Alonzi Enterprise; knobs, Restoration Hardware; pots in window, Angus & Company; Hansgrohe faucet, Taps; paint on upper cabinets, Museum White (2262-1FB), Pratt & Lambert; marble tile, floor slate, Saltillo Imports; black paint, Safety Black (M22), Benjamin Moore.
House & Home October 2004 issue
Tommy Smythe