Thursday, May 9, 2013

Design Sleuth: Clever Kitchen Lighting from Norm Architects

Design Sleuth: Clever Kitchen Lighting from Norm Architects

Here's a clever solution for under-cabinet lighting from Norm Architects in Copenhagen that doesn't involve difficult-to-install puck lights. 

In this 1860s fisherman's cottage, the family wanted to achieve the Danish concept of hygge—which loosely translates to "coziness" and requires a warm glow. To achieve this goal in the kitchen, Norm Architects' Niels Bjerre-Poulsen attached a halogen lighting strip at the front edge of the open shelving.

Bjerre-Poulsen chose halogen lights to achieve a warmly colored glow like that of incandescents (which are banned in Europe). But we would recommend an LED strip; LEDs have a long lifespan and don't convert energy into wasted heat, which makes them the eco-friendly lighting choice. Here are some sourcing ideas:

Minimalist Kitchen with Wall-Mount Faucet by Norm Architects, Remodelista

Above: The lighting strip adds a warm glow to the kitchen. 

Minimalist White Kitchen by Norm Architects, Remodelista

Above: Most of the home's furnishings were custom-designed to fit the small space, lighting included. 

Kitchen with LED Lighting Strip by Norm Architects, Remodelista

Above: The lighting strip is reflected on the surface of the electric range. 

Minimalist Scandinavian Home by Norm Architects, Remodelista

Above: By day, the all-white home is cool in the gray Scandinavian light. By night, fixtures like the halogen strip add warmth. 

LED Strip Light Kit from Elemental LED, Remodelista

Above: The Flexible LED Strip Light Sample Kit from Emeryville, CA-based Elemental LED has everything you need to compare several types of LED strips, such as varying density and levels of brightness and warmth; $29.99. 

Elemental LED Brighter Strip Light, Remodelista

Above: Elemental's Brighter Flexible LED Strip Light is sold by the foot and can be cut to any length; $12.99 per foot. 

Ikea Dioder LED White Strip Light, Remodelista

Above: The Dioder LED set from Ikea is an affordable option at $29.99 for four strips that can be connected together. 

For another clever use of strip lighting—this time in amber—visit A Oaxacan Oasis in Berkeley.  




No comments:

Post a Comment