Eatdrink #44 November/December 2013

30 www.eatdrink.ca
Drum lighting works well with traditional,
modern or contemporary décor.
manufacturers are adapting their most popular
designs to LED lighting, using warm light,
which is closest to incandescent light, and
ensuring the LED is dimmable,” says Rouse.
Although they have come down in price,
the cost of LED bulbs continues to be a
drawback for some consumers. As their
popularity grows and technology matures
however, the price of bulbs will continue to
drop. Also, Rouse notes, it is not necessary to
purchase fixtures made specifically for LEDs
(which can be quite expensive); LED bulbs
can be used in most regular housings. Most
LEDs offer a 30,000-hour lifespan, compared
to the 8,000-hour life of a traditional compact
fluorescent lamp, she says, which you may
want to consider when you are installing
a chandelier, recessed lighting, or other
fixtures in hard to reach places.
Rouse recommends hanging pendants
30 inches above the island or counter top
in a kitchen with an eight-foot ceiling.
For higher ceilings, add one inch for each
additional foot of height, to a maximum
of 32 inches. Any higher, and the light will
dissipate too much, she says.
“Give lighting as much consideration as
other decorating decisions,” says Rouse.
Create a master plan of how you want the
finished kitchen to look. Think about how
and when you use this space. Is it a place
where children do their homework? Where
you entertain guests? What kind of general
lighting, task lighting and accent lighting
will you need for each purpose? What kinds
of fixtures will best suit your kitchen?
Fixtures can influence the look and feel
of a room as much as a piece of artwork,
says Rouse. “No matter what your budget,
opt for timeless materials like hand-forged
iron, bronze and glass over their plastic
counterparts. Timeless designs in top
materials will always look right and can
become family heirlooms.”
NATALie NOVAK is a happily transplanted northerner
who enjoys living in and writing about London.
Amaryllis
Bare bulb & Pre-Potted
13 Varieties!
Amaryllis are the
perfect gift to give
or receive.
Beautiful & Easy to Grow.