Kitchen Lighting

Denver kitchens need 1 recessed light per 25-30 square feet plus dedicated task lighting over work surfaces. A standard 10x15 kitchen (150 sq ft) needs 5-7 recessed lights spaced 4-6 feet apart. Peak Builders calculates precise lighting needs based on kitchen size and layout. Lighting density: kitchens should achieve 70-80 lumens per square foot for proper task lighting - 150 sq ft kitchen needs 10,500-12,000 total lumens. Standard 6-inch LED recessed lights provide 800-1,000 lumens each. Space recessed lights 4-6 feet apart in grid patterns avoiding placement directly over base cabinets (wasted light). Add separate under-cabinet task lighting for countertop illumination (recessed lights create shadows on counters). Islands require dedicated lighting (recessed or pendants) centered over island. Place lights strategically over sinks, ranges, and main prep areas. Install all lighting on dimmer switches for flexibility. We design kitchen lighting layouts maximizing functionality and ambiance throughout your Denver kitchen.

Yes, under-cabinet lighting is essential for Denver kitchens, providing shadow-free task lighting for food prep, cooking, and cleanup while adding ambiance. Under-cabinet LED strips cost $20-$60 per linear foot installed and dramatically improve kitchen functionality. Peak Builders installs under-cabinet lighting in all kitchen remodels. Benefits: eliminates shadows cast by overhead lights on countertops, provides excellent task lighting for food prep and cooking, adds ambiance when dimmed for evening entertaining, highlights backsplash tile, relatively inexpensive to add during remodels. LED strips are best option: energy efficient (2-5 watts per foot), produce little heat, last 50,000+ hours, available in various color temperatures and dimmable. Installation: hardwired systems provide cleanest installation (no visible cords), plug-in systems easier to install but require outlet access, battery systems work for retrofit but need regular charging. Install under-cabinet lighting on separate switches from overhead lights allowing use as ambient lighting. Essential improvement for any Denver kitchen remodel providing excellent functionality and value.

Both pendant lights and recessed lights work over Denver kitchen islands with different aesthetics and functions. Pendant lights ($100-$500 each) provide focused task lighting and design statement. Recessed lights ($50-$100 each) offer clean, minimalist look with flexible lighting. Peak Builders helps select appropriate island lighting. Pendant light advantages: provide focused task lighting over island work surfaces, create design focal points adding visual interest, come in unlimited styles complementing kitchen design, adjustable height targeting specific tasks. Typically install 2-3 pendants over islands spaced 24-30 inches apart, hanging 30-36 inches above countertop. Works best with taller ceilings (9+ feet). Recessed light advantages: cleaner ceiling appearance in modern kitchens, no head-clearance concerns, more flexible light coverage, less expensive. Combination approach: recessed lights for ambient lighting plus single pendant over island seating area. Consider ceiling height (low ceilings suit recessed better), kitchen style (traditional suits pendants, modern suits recessed), and island usage (seating needs lower task lighting). We design island lighting maximizing function and aesthetics.

The best color temperature for Denver kitchen lighting is 3000-3500K (warm white to neutral white) which provides natural, inviting light for cooking and entertaining without harsh yellow or blue tones. Task lighting over work surfaces should be 3500K for accurate food color representation. Peak Builders specifies appropriate lighting temperatures for kitchen applications. 3000K (warm white) provides inviting, comfortable ambiance perfect for entertaining and dining, similar to traditional incandescent bulbs. 3500K (neutral white) provides accurate color rendering important for food prep, slightly brighter feel than 3000K. Avoid 2700K (too yellow) or 4000K+ (too blue/clinical for residential kitchens). Use high CRI (Color Rendering Index) LED fixtures rated 90+ rendering colors accurately - critical for food appearance. Coordinate all kitchen lighting to same color temperature for cohesive appearance. Dimmable fixtures allow brightness adjustment for different activities and times of day. We install kitchen lighting with appropriate color temperatures creating inviting, functional spaces throughout your Denver kitchen remodel.

Kitchen lighting in Denver remodels costs $1,500-$5,000 depending on kitchen size and lighting complexity. Basic lighting (recessed cans only) costs $50-$100 per fixture installed. Comprehensive lighting designs with under-cabinet lights, pendants, and accent lighting exceed $3,000-$5,000. Peak Builders provides detailed kitchen lighting estimates. Cost breakdown: recessed LED lights ($50-$100 each installed, need 5-10 for typical kitchen), pendant lights over island ($150-$500 each installed, typically 2-3 pendants), under-cabinet LED strips ($20-$60 per linear foot, typical kitchen has 10-15 feet), switches and dimmers ($50-$150 each, need 2-4 for proper zone control). Additional costs: electrical panel upgrades if needed ($1,000-$2,500), rewiring for code compliance, and moving existing fixtures to new locations. Timeline: lighting installation takes 1-2 days during kitchen remodel. Quality lighting represents 8-12% of total kitchen remodel budgets and dramatically affects functionality and ambiance. Investment in proper kitchen lighting pays dividends in daily use and resale appeal.