Lighting Shortcuts

Some of the most common questions that pop up when remodeling a kitchen or bathroom have to do with different facets of lighting. Today I thought I would share some tried and true standards and rules of thumb that hopefully will be helpful for you in your next project.

 

-Mount fixtures hanging over a table 30" above the table top.

 

-Place under cabinet lighting at the front of the cabinets-not against the wall- so the light is evenly distributed over the countertop.

 

-Hang pendants lights over an island 66"-72" off the floor

 

-Mount sconces either side of a bathroom mirror 60"-66" off the floor.

 

-Layer light-use a combination of ambient light( recessed cans), task light(under cabinet lights) and decorative light(pendants) to create a functional and inviting kitchen.

 

-Depending on the size, install one pendant for every 2-3' of counter space, most often using an odd number of pendant lights.

 

-Switch all of your under cabinet lights on one switch. It makes it easy to turn them on and adds a great ambiance at night.

 

-Consider a jamb switch on your pantry door. Then the light would come on automatically every time you opened your pantry door and you wouldn't be fumbling for a switch.

 

These are the most common lighting issues you may run across in a kitchen or bath remodel. Always have a trusted electrician, like Ed Smith and team of Blue Moon Electric. They can offer great insight and knowledge into what your space needs. Have an electrical question? Call Ed or email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Visiting Jenn-Air

Last fall I had the opportunity to visit the Whirlpool Corporation training center in downtown Chicago. I was there to participate in a designer forum with designers from all over the country and Canada to learn more about Jenn-Air products. Whirlpool is the parent company for Jenn-Air, Whirpool, Kitchenaid and Maytag. It was a packed 2 days and it felt like I was learning from a fire hydrant!

Day one we got a tour of the Whirpool Training center which is located in the historic Reid-Murdoch building in downtown Chicago. The training center is at the very top of the building and encompasses the historic clock tower. The space is beautiful with a wonderful rooftop patio overlooking downtown. That afternoon we learned about Jenn--Air professional gas cooktop's and down drafts, new ovens with larger touchscreen panels and intuitive culinary center. These new ovens will have an accompanying app that will be revolutionary! We also learned about the history of Jenn-Air and enjoyed a lovely dinner prepared by their resident chefs.

Day 2 started early learning about the Jenn-Air customer service team and protocols and their marketing strategies. Then we transitioned into learning about the steam oven and watched salmon being cooked in a steam oven which we then got to enjoy. Next we learned about Jenn-Air's built in refrigeration. In their new generation of refrigeration, they are transitioning to an obsidian interior. It looks sharp, but I'm on the fence about if I like it or not...Next we transitioned back to the classroom for a learning time with designer Ellen Cheever. Ellen is an accomplished designer who has a lot of practical and real world experience. She is a fantastic communicator. Next we learned about the Jenn-Air dishwashers and induction cooktops. Those were pretty impressive! Then we learned about the built in coffee system and got to make our own beverages. A delightful sit down lunch was prepared by the resident chefs. Finally, the designers shared different projects they were working on. It was great to see the different types of projects across the country and the imaginative solutions designers were creating for issues in a space.

It was a great but packed two days and my perceptions and preconceived notions of the Jenn-Air brand were definitely improved. I always enjoy learning about new products and technologies so I can better suggest products to my clients. If you have any questions about what I learned about, feel free to email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com