Kitchen lighting advice for a small Palo Alto reno, where do I start?
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We're doing a minor kitchen update in our Palo Alto place and the lighting is the part I keep avoiding because I don't really understand it. Right now there's just one ceiling fixture and it makes the counters feel gloomy in the evening, but I don't know if I should add under cabinet lights, swap the main fixture, or do something else entirely. A neighbour mentioned she read something that had Energy efficient lighting for modern Palo Alto homes explained in a way that finally made sense to her, though she couldn't remember where. I'm hoping someone here can point me in the right direction before I start buying things at random. Is it better to layer the lighting or just get a brighter bulb? And do I need an electrician for under cabinet stuff or can I just plug it in? I'd rather not tear up the walls for something that might not even make a difference.
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Layer the lighting rather than chasing a brighter bulb — one intense overhead source is exactly what makes a small kitchen feel harsh and still leaves the counters dark when you're standing at them. Think in three parts: task light over the work surfaces, general light for the room, and something softer for evenings. Plug-in LED strips are a reasonable starting point since they avoid opening walls, though cord routing and outlet placement matter. If you do go hardwired later, that's electrician territory. Try one change first, live with it a week, then decide.