Transformation of a Cottage Kitchen Part 5: Cottage Kitchen Lighting

In this cottage kitchen transformation series, I've written about how we addressed the natural lighting challenges, but now I will share how we improved our overhead lighting.

{To long time readers - I apologize that you are seeing a lot of the same kitchen photos over and over again in this series...I didn't take the time to take new photos as I've been busy working on the studio. I hope you understand. Thanks!}

As you have seen in my {only} "before" photos, the lighting in our kitchen and dining area was seriously lacking and sadly outdated. We had four lights total:

One in the middle of the kitchen...


One above the sink...


One above the dining table and one above the hutch {and a little lamp on the hutch}.


My plan was to add under cabinet lighting, recessed lighting, pendant lighting, and even a little ambient lighting.

We began with the under cabinet lighting. We purchased puck, or disc lighting, that hubs hardwired. We were able to easily hide the wiring with a thin, wood panel when we did our cottage /farmhouse style cabinet makeover. Below is a diagram of exactly how we did this.


Look, ma! No wires!


The under cabinet lighting even made our incomplete kitchen look better! I never realized just how dark the counter area was before adding these lights. I don't know how I got along without them!


Our next lighting project was installing the recessed lighting. I was a little hesitant about recessed lighting and whether or not if would fit in with our cottage style home, but I'm so glad that we went ahead with the installation. I believe we have eight recessed lights total. Originally, we didn't have one above the stove area, but after we installed the others, we noticed just how dark that area still was. We could no longer find the lights we had locally, but fortunately, we found just what we needed on Ebay.



Sometime back in 2006, I believe, I ordered our hanging light fixtures. I can't remember the name of the online company where I bought them, but the fixtures are part of a House Beautiful collection from Kichler. I get a lot of questions about where to order these, and honestly, I don't even think this collection is even sold anymore. I've searched high and low online for about a year now and haven't been able to find it anywhere. If anyone has any information about this, please let me know! The finish is oil-rubbed bronze and the shades are a cotton weave type fabric.

Hubs installed the large, drum shade above the dining table...


A smaller one above the kitchen sink...


And a three light chandelier above the island.





An interesting little tidbit is that we went for months without overhead lighting after we installed our pine plank ceilings. What did we use instead? Old fashion lanterns! I actually missed them when we finally had lighting again.


Lastly, even with all the new overhead lighting, the kitchen just wouldn't feel cozy without some sweet, ambient lighting. There's always room for a little lamp or two! This little lamp rarely gets turned off.


Remember, even if you don't to a major lighting overhaul in your kitchen, replacing or even painting your existing light fixtures and adding some ambient lighting can dramatically change the look and feel of your space. Have you changed your lighting in some way? I'd love to hear about it!

Coming up in Part 6 - Cottage Kitchen Flooring

{Did you miss Part 4 of Transformation of a Cottage Kitchen?: Check out Part 4: From Popcorn to Plank Ceiling

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If you enjoyed reading about this project, please take a moment to rate it for a contest I've entered. Just scroll to the bottom where it says "rollover to rate this" and click on a star - 5 stars being the highest rating and 1 star being the lowest. I am so grateful to all those that have rated my spaces so far - Thank you!