What is the best lighting layout for a NB kitchen renovation?

The best kitchen lighting layout uses a three-layer approach: ambient (general) lighting from recessed ceiling fixtures, task lighting under cabinets and over work zones, and accent or decorative lighting to add warmth and character. This layered strategy ensures your kitchen is well-lit for cooking, comfortable for dining, and looks inviting — which matters especially during New Brunswick's long, dark winter months from November through March when natural light is scarce.

Ambient lighting forms the foundation. Recessed LED pot lights are the standard choice in NB kitchen renovations, spaced 4 to 5 feet apart in a grid pattern across the ceiling. A typical 10-by-12-foot kitchen needs 4 to 6 recessed lights to provide even, shadow-free general illumination. Use 4-inch fixtures for standard 8-foot ceilings (common in older NB homes) and 6-inch fixtures for 9-foot or vaulted ceilings. Position the first row of lights 24 to 30 inches from the wall so they illuminate the countertop and cabinet faces rather than creating shadows. Budget $75 to $150 per recessed light installed during a renovation, or $400 to $900 total for a typical kitchen.

Task lighting is where many NB kitchen renovations fall short, and it makes the biggest difference in daily functionality. Under-cabinet LED lights illuminate countertop work surfaces directly, eliminating the shadows your body casts when you stand between the overhead light and the counter. Hardwired LED light bars running the full length of each upper cabinet section are the gold standard, costing $800 to $1,500 installed for a full kitchen. Pair these with a dimmer so you can use them at full brightness for chopping vegetables and at low intensity for evening ambiance.

Above the kitchen island or peninsula, pendant lights or a linear chandelier provide both task and decorative lighting. Hang pendants 30 to 36 inches above the island countertop surface — low enough to illuminate the workspace but high enough that they do not obstruct sightlines. For a 6-foot island, two pendants spaced 24 to 30 inches apart work well. For an 8-foot island, use three pendants. Budget $200 to $800 for the fixtures plus $150 to $300 for installation.

NB-Specific Lighting Considerations

New Brunswick's northern latitude means kitchens receive significantly less natural daylight in winter compared to summer. A well-designed lighting plan compensates for this by providing ample artificial light at the right colour temperature. Choose LED fixtures in the 2700K to 3000K range for warm, inviting light that mimics natural daylight without feeling cold or clinical. Avoid anything above 4000K in a residential kitchen.

Many older NB homes have kitchens with a single ceiling-mounted fluorescent box light — a relic of 1970s and 1980s construction. Replacing this with a proper layered lighting layout is one of the most transformative changes in a kitchen renovation. Your electrician will cap off the old fixture location, patch the ceiling, and install new recessed cans and switch circuits.

Put each lighting layer on a separate switch or dimmer. This gives you full control: bright task and ambient lighting for cooking, dimmed ambient with accent lighting for entertaining, or just under-cabinet lights for a late-night snack. Three-way dimmers cost $30 to $75 each installed and are well worth the investment. Plan your switch locations during the electrical rough-in phase — typically near the main kitchen entry point and at a secondary entry if your kitchen has multiple doorways.

Total budget for a complete lighting redesign during a kitchen renovation in New Brunswick runs $1,500 to $3,500 including fixtures, wiring, switches, and installation — a modest investment that dramatically improves how your kitchen looks and functions.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations