TRENDS INTERIOR INFLUENCES ON LIGHTING Industry observations made by the American Lighting Association show how design trends are infl uencing lighting choices in the kitchen. Among its fi ndings: Countertops Impact Lighting. While granite is still used in entry- and mid-level homes, most high-end countertops are now quartz-based, with matte finishes remaining in vogue. Specifying a leathered fi nish alleviates the tricky business of providing adequate illumination in kitchens without causing glare from glossy countertops. Dark Appliances Require More Light. While a black stainless fi nish on appliances eliminates unsightly fi ngerprints, it soaks up light, creating the need for additional illumination in the surrounding space. Black stainless has lower refl ectance than white or stainless-steel appliances, making the room appear darker. Taller Ceilings Need Taller Fixtures. Over the past decade, residential ceiling heights have risen, with 9 feet becoming the accepted minimum height. It's not uncommon for North American homes to have ceilings 10 to 12 feet high. Th is condition requires taller sconces and taller chandeliers to fi ll the additional space. Designers need to note that this is not simply a question of physical or spatial proportion - the quantity and quality of light itself should be carefully considered. ABOVE i29 interior architects collaborated with Valcucine at EuroCucina 2024. This display shows how light can do double duty as an artistic element and a functional one. valcucine.com Photo credit: Michele Salucci | ImmaginAria BELOW This interior illustrates how lighting can accentuate interiors with " pools " of light defi ning spaces, an approach championed by Sasha Bikoff of New York City-based Sasha Bikoff Design. sashabikoff. com, lutron.com Photo credit: © Magda Biernat Photography 26 / MAY-JUNE 2024http://www.valcucine.com http://www.lutron.com