"Reliability was my main worry—especially since my cooking skills already cause enough kitchen drama without adding flickering lights into the mix, haha."
Haha, I totally get the kitchen drama part. I've flipped a few houses now, and lighting choices always seem straightforward until you're standing in the aisle at the hardware store, second-guessing everything. LEDs with dimmers are definitely a solid choice—energy-efficient, reliable, and versatile enough to set the right mood or brightness level depending on what you're doing.
But since you mentioned solar, I'm curious—were you thinking about solar-powered lighting specifically for the kitchen, or more like a whole-house solar setup? I've looked into solar quite a bit for some of my flips, and while I love the idea of renewable energy, I always end up hesitating because of the upfront costs and the uncertainty around long-term reliability. Plus, kitchens tend to need consistent, bright lighting, especially if you're prepping food or reading recipes. Solar can be great, but it seems like you'd need a pretty robust battery backup system to avoid those dreaded flickers or dimming issues on cloudy days.
One thing I've been considering lately is combining LED recessed lighting with some strategically placed under-cabinet lights. It gives you that extra bit of brightness exactly where you need it—like when you're chopping veggies or trying to read tiny print on spice jars. I've found that layering different types of lighting can really elevate a kitchen's functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Have you thought about adding any accent or task lighting to complement your recessed LEDs? Or maybe you've already done that...would love to hear how it's working out.
I've done a few kitchens now, and honestly, solar lighting in the kitchen itself might be more trouble than it's worth. Like you said, reliability is key—especially when you're handling sharp knives or hot pans. Solar's great for overall energy savings, but I'd stick to a whole-house setup rather than relying on it directly for kitchen lighting.
Your idea about layering lighting is spot-on. Under-cabinet LEDs are a game changer, especially if your countertops are darker or reflective. I installed some strip lighting under cabinets in my last remodel, and the difference was night and day. No more squinting at recipes or guessing spice labels. Plus, it adds a nice ambiance when you're not cooking.
If you haven't already, consider adding a couple of pendant lights over an island or breakfast bar. They provide targeted task lighting and can really tie the room together visually. Just make sure they're positioned correctly—too low and you'll bump your head, too high and they lose effectiveness.
"Under-cabinet LEDs are a game changer, especially if your countertops are darker or reflective."
Totally agree with this—under-cabinet lighting made a huge difference for me too. Did you find a particular brand or type of LED strips that balanced quality and price well? I'm still hunting for the sweet spot budget-wise...
I've tried a few brands, and honestly, the cheaper Amazon ones worked just fine for me. Got a roll of Daybetter LEDs last year—easy install, decent brightness, and haven't had any issues yet. Maybe they're not as fancy as Philips Hue or something, but for the price difference...I couldn't justify spending more. Just make sure you get ones with adjustable brightness; makes a big difference in setting the right mood at night.
I get the appeal of budget LEDs, but speaking from experience with an older home, sometimes the pricier options like Philips Hue or LIFX are worth it. I tried cheaper strips first, and while they were fine initially, the adhesive gave up after a few months—probably thanks to my kitchen's charmingly uneven plaster walls. Ended up splurging on Hue strips, and they've held up beautifully. Plus, the color accuracy and app integration are surprisingly handy...especially when you're trying to distract guests from noticing your crooked cabinets.
