Pendant lighting has become a staple of modern designer kitchens. Whether a single light hangs above the whole room or a strip of pendant lighting illuminates a dining table, they’re used to make a statement and add an aspect of contemporary design to the space. If you’re thinking of using pendant lighting to illuminate a kitchen island (as you may have seen done in our designer kitchen showroom) we’ve put together our top tips to ensure you style them correctly.
If you’re illuminating a kitchen island, the first thing to consider is how many lights you want; one, or several? One large light is a popular choice for those wanting to make a bold statement, whilst multiple smaller lights can bring a more delicate look. They’ll still be a focal point of your space, but they’ll be less of a prominent centrepiece. If you have a large island, you may be able to have two, or even three, large pendant lights hanging at intervals, but if you want our advice, generally these larger statement lights work best on their own.
You need to consider the size of your kitchen when choosing the perfect style of light. In a kitchen where space is at more of a premium, a large statement light can become too overwhelming and actually make your room appear smaller. At the same time, too many small lights can seem cluttered and crowded, having the same effect. You need to ensure that the style you choose doesn’t take over your entire space, but instead compliments it. In larger kitchens, you’ll have more freedom with size, but you should consider how large your island is. A small island paired with a huge light can look off-balance!
If you have a rustic, English cottage inspired kitchen, an industrial string of lights will probably look a little out of place. This is why it’s so important to consider your style when choosing your light, ensuring it fits the current aesthetic of your space. Look at the colours you have in your kitchen to see if there’s any you could bring out by matching the tone on your light, and the style of your pendant lighting should be in-keeping with the rest of your space.
Before installing your pendant lighting, ensure you’ve properly measured your space. Pinpoint the spot where your light will hang down from and how low it should hang. Ideally, the bottom of the light should be no closer than 30 inches to the island surface to prevent it getting in the way.
Choosing pendant lighting is an exciting task, but to achieve that stylish, contemporary look you have to be sure to get it right! For more lighting inspiration, feel free to look at our designer kitchens or pop into our designer kitchen showroom. Our designers will love to help you start to pick out a few options to show off your kitchen island!
TRADITION MEETS MODERNITY IN OUR LIVERPOOL SHOWROOM
In our Liverpool showroom, we’ve masterfully blended the best of traditional and modern design elements to create a unique, timeless kitchen display. This space is a perfect mix of classic elegance with contemporary functionality, and the focal point is the stunning L-shaped island, which serves as both a practical workspace and a social hub. Its clever design seamlessly links into a media wall and presentation area, incorporating the essence of modern open-plan living.
The colour scheme is a sophisticated mix of Concept130 Roma Graphite shaker cabinets paired with Montreal light fine oak handleless units and taupe trim handles. This combination offers a perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, perfect if you appreciate the classics but want something a little more updated.
Standout appliances:
Neff 30cm Wine Fridge
Neff 80cm Induction Hob
Neff Single Oven
Neff Tall Integrated Fridge
Neff Dishwasher
MODERN MINIMALISM AT ITS FINEST IN OUR URMSTON SHOWROOM
Our Urmston showroom display showcases a bold, modern kitchen design that effortlessly blends both form and function. The handleless units create a streamlined, uninterrupted flow throughout the space, perfectly complemented by the ultra-matt black finish on the worktops. This pairs beautifully with the elegant black ribbed-veneered door for the focal wall.
This minimalist design approach offers a chic, contemporary vibe, ideal if you love the clean, clutter-free aesthetic. To enhance this look, we’ve used warm accent colours that break up the monochrome palette, adding a sense of inviting depth and warmth to the overall space. The subtle, extravagant marble panels add a touch of quiet luxury, their natural veining providing visual interest and texture against the sleek black surfaces, especially when lit by warm LED lighting. This fusion of modern materials and timeless elements, such as marble, creates a display that is both stylish and practical!
Standout appliances:
Neff N90 Ovens with premium 6.8” touch screen display and Twist Pad Flex control
Neff Flex Induction Hob
Silgranit Blanco Sink
Quooker Tap
THE BARROWFORD SHOWROOM’S HARMONIOUS AND ELEGANT DISPLAY
In Barrowford, we’ve embraced a calming, earthy palette that combines functionality with elegance. The display features Hampton Ash wood doors painted in a Natural Umber shade, mixed with Scala Olive green flat doors, and completed with a mix of antique brass handles. The warm, neutral tones of the Natural Umber give this kitchen a wonderfully cosy feel, making it a welcoming space for both cooking and entertaining.
One of the key features of this display is the 30mm Vanilla Noir quartz worktop, which stands out with its dark, characterful design. The designer bench seating includes pullout storage to maximise space without sacrificing style. The bifold worktop unit and sliding doors on the island showcase smart storage solutions. Finally, the open shelves add a touch of rustic charm!
Standout appliances:
Neff Collection Oven
Neff XL Fridge Freezer
Quooker Classic Fusion Tap
Double Bowl Tartufo Sink
THE BLACKBURN SHOWROOM’S SLEEK AND MODERN MASTERPIECE
Our new Blackburn display is a testament to a modern, streamlined design. It features a bold black and oak colour scheme, seamlessly blending practicality and contemporary aesthetics. The tall units are clad in a Black Velvet Oak, adding depth and contrast to the sleek black wall units. The Toronto base units and matching worktops are finished in Natural Vintage Oak for a beautiful and cohesive end result.
One of the standout elements of this display is the quirky curved breakfast bar, a unique feature that blends functionality with style. Raised planters behind the bar add a touch of greenery; perfect if you love bringing natural elements into your kitchen.
Standout appliances:
Neff 60cm CombiZone Black Induction Hob
Integrated Design Hood
Neff Fully-integrated dishwasher
Neff Integrated Frost Free Under Counter Freezer
More from the team’s annual trip to Germany to the headquarters of Hacker Rodinghausen showroom.
Staff from all of our showrooms attended to view the new exciting ranges of kitchens and colours that are available from now. They were given a full factory tour & took part in product workshops. It was an intensive 2 x day trip however they had a fabulous time.
Head to our stories for more details or head over to our website to book your free design appointment
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