"maybe mixing in warmer accent lights under cabinets or shelves for evenings?"
That's exactly what I did—4000K overhead and warmer LEDs under the cabinets. Honestly, it feels pretty cohesive. Just make sure they're on separate switches or dimmers...gives you way more flexibility.
"Just make sure they're on separate switches or dimmers...gives you way more flexibility."
Haha, preach. I learned this the hard way—installed mine all on one switch to save a few bucks, and now it's either "stadium lighting" or "candlelit dinner" mode, no in-between. Your setup sounds spot-on though, especially mixing the warmer tones underneath. Might have to bite the bullet and redo mine eventually...
Yeah, learned that lesson myself when we redid our kitchen lights. Thought dimmers were just fancy extras until I ended up squinting at recipes or feeling blinded at 6 AM. Definitely worth the extra wiring hassle. Live and learn I guess...
Interesting take, but honestly, dimmers never really did it for me. I went with layered lighting instead—under-cabinet LEDs for prep, softer overhead pendants for mornings, and bright recessed lights for cooking. Bit more planning, sure...but zero regrets.
"Bit more planning, sure...but zero regrets."
Haha, I envy your dedication! I'm all for the layered lighting look too, but my wallet tends to disagree. Here's my budget-friendly kitchen lighting redo guide: Step 1—buy affordable LED strips online (thank you, internet sales). Step 2—stick them under cabinets yourself (cue awkward crouching). Step 3—swap out that one sad overhead fixture with something brighter from clearance aisle heaven. Result? Pretty decent lighting without breaking the bank...and only minor back pain.
