- Honestly, the “fancy” lighting trends seem like overkill unless you’re doing it for resale value or just want a showpiece kitchen.
I get the appeal of keeping things simple, but I’ll admit I’m a sucker for a little “fancy” if it’s functional. In my 1920s kitchen, I actually went with toe-kick lights—hear me out! They’re on a motion sensor, so at night, I don’t have to fumble for a switch. Cleaning hasn’t been a big deal since I picked a style with a smooth lens. If you’re careful with placement and pick the right fixture, they can be more practical than folks think. Sometimes a little extra is worth it for the right space.
I totally get where you’re coming from with the toe-kick lights. I used to be a “just give me a single overhead and call it a day” type, but after flipping a few houses, I’ve realized lighting is one of those things buyers notice way more than you’d think. Under-cabinet LEDs, toe-kick strips, even those fancy pendants—if they’re done right and not just thrown in for show, they really do add both function and a little wow factor.
Motion sensors are genius, by the way. In one project, I put them in the pantry and it was an instant hit—people love hands-free anything these days. My only caution is to avoid going overboard (like color-changing lights everywhere... unless you’re running a nightclub out of your kitchen). But yeah, if the “fancy” stuff actually makes life easier or safer, I say go for it. Sometimes practical and pretty can actually coexist.
I totally relate to the “don’t go overboard” part. I tried to DIY some under-cabinet lights on a shoestring budget and, honestly, it made a bigger difference than I expected. Even my kids started using the kitchen more (maybe just for late-night snacks, but still). It’s wild how a little practical lighting can make a space feel special without breaking the bank.
If You Had to Redo Your Kitchen Lights, What Would You Pick?
I get what you mean about the under-cabinet lights—those little things are game changers. But I’ll be honest, I’m always torn between “keep it simple” and “go big or go home.” I once flipped a place where the previous owner had installed these wild, color-changing LED strips everywhere. Looked like a nightclub at midnight, not a kitchen. It was... a lot.
That said, I do think people underestimate how much lighting shapes the vibe. I’m all for practical upgrades, but sometimes a statement pendant or even just swapping out those old yellow bulbs for something brighter can make the whole space feel new. I’d probably go for a mix—some subtle under-cabinet LEDs for function, but also a bold fixture over the island just to give it some personality.
Kids raiding the fridge at 2am is just proof you did something right, honestly. But hey, maybe don’t let them pick the colors unless you want your kitchen looking like a rave.
Honestly, I learned the hard way that too many lighting “features” just end up being a hassle. I once tried smart bulbs everywhere—fun at first, but the novelty wore off fast. Now I stick to dimmable LEDs and basic under-cabinet strips. Clean, simple, and way less drama when something breaks.
