Undercabinet lighting and hinges may seem pretty basic, but some basic knowledge can transform your kitchen from so-so to spectacular.

Lighting

• Color is a big determinant in terms of your overall lighting plan. Dark finishes absorb light extremely well—so you need more of it. Dark countertops require about double the light of pale ones to illuminate well.
• Just like a silver platter, a highly polished countertop reflects light, showing the reflection of the undercabinet lighting.
• There’s no one magic fixture that will perfectly illuminate your room. Be sure to combine different types of lighting, including undercabinet.

Your home’s lighting has four functions. As such, there are four kinds of lighting:

Task: Lighting by which you do your work, such as light that allows you to see the carrots you’re chopping.

Accent: Lighting that highlights an object, such as a collection of Italian dishes.

Decorative: Lighting that doesn’t do much but look pretty, such as chandeliers.

Ambient: Lighting that creates a mood for the room, such as indirect pendant lighting.

Your cabinets can make great use of two of these types: task and accent. Undercabinet lighting can work as task lighting, allowing you to easily read recipes and safely chop vegetables. Lighting can also be used as an accent within the cabinetry to display treasured plates or collectables. Be sure to use glass shelving so that the light can illuminate the entire cabinet.

Beyond the kitchen, undercabinet lighting is a solid choice for bookshelf lighting in the office, china cabinet lighting in the dining room, display cabinet lighting to highlight decorative items, and in your entertainment center to make it easier to see your electronics’ controls.