Your kitchen serves as the centerpiece for your home. It’s a place where family members, friends and new acquaintances come together to not only break bread, but to engage in meaningful – and sometimes contentious – conversations (Does anyone follow the “no political talk at the table” rule anymore?). It’s where kids come to conduct science experiments and to complete their homework. It’s where friends come to play games. All in all, it’s the heart of your home,  a space wherein all should feel welcomed.

Because much of the magic happens in the kitchen, it’s important to have the right lighting scheme. Make sure to follow these useful tips on achieving the right kitchen lighting balance!

Unfortunately, one type of light won’t quite suffice, so to achieve the results you want, you’re going to have to layer.  We recommend implementing three layers of light: task, accent and ambient. You’ll notice that the names speak for themselves.

It is amazing to see the difference a single light fixture can make in your home. A drab entryway and a dull dining room are transformed with the addition of a gorgeous chandelier. You can go big and dramatic or keep it simple and classy. There are so many styles and sizes to choose from you will find the perfect chandelier to create the look you are going for. You will want to have your new chandelier installed by an electrician in Pasadena, like those at The Electric Connection.

Chandeliers are often used as statement pieces in a room. They manage to set the mood in a room simply by being on. If you are going for romantic and quaint, a gorgeous chandelier with some low-wattage bulbs is perfect. Most chandeliers are equipped with dimmers that give you the freedom to turn the lights on maximum power or keep them muted. Large chandeliers equipped with numerous lights are perfect for creating an open and inviting atmosphere, which is why they are often put in large rooms or entry ways. The bright lights encourage revelry and lift the spirits.

Because there is some Pasadena electrical work involved, it is always a good idea to leave the installation to a professional. It is simply too risky to try and install it yourself if you are not familiar with the intricacies of electrical wiring. It would be a disaster to go through the process of hanging the chandelier only to have it not work or to be wired wrong and create a dangerous electrical hazard.

You can hit your typical big box home improvement stores to find the perfect chandelier or check out specialty lighting stores. Once you have found the perfect chandelier for your home, give The Electric Connection a call to schedule the installation.

Help for Heroes, an organization that aids wounded soldiers in the UK. Munro’s inspiration for the exhibit:

Two years ago I was riding my bicycle in the lanes near my workshop – it’s a very good way to keep fit. But that winter afternoon it was dark and my lights had failed, and I fell off into a ditch full of icy cold cow-poop. As I got to my feet, the idea of cycling in a warm, dry, well-lit environment seemed irresistibly attractive. Almost immediately when I got home I started sketching the Star-Turn bike. – Bruce Munro, his website. Here’s one more photo of the magnificent Star-Turn: