Page 28 - Lighting Magazine February 2019

K& B
Maria Viola-Kuttruff Viola Interior Design, LLC Merion Station, Pa
“People are much more willing to make a state- ment when it comes to lighting selections for their baths and kitchens than ever before. They don’t feel like they have to be understated. I o en rec- ommend lighting xtures for bathrooms that – in the past – would probably have been reserved for what we’d consider a ‘special area.’ Now, lighting can really be considered the centerpiece of the bathroom.
“I’m also nding clients becoming more ad- venturous with lighting — especially in their bathrooms. While streamlined, cleaner xtures are still a strong trend, we’re also seeing a gain in popularity among xtures that are more dramatic, edgier, or funkier. There is a sense of freedom with bathroom lighting now because it is a more con- tained space than other rooms. They’re not trying to match a sofa, area rug, artwork etc.
“They’re also more willing to invest in good lighting pieces. They want a lot of lighting in their bathrooms so they have illumination options, such as recessed shower lighting. Whenever possible, I design baths with lighting on the sides of the mirrors, rather than above, because it provides a much be er balance of light when people are per- forming close-to-the-mirror tasks. By using switch sets and dimmers, the lighting can be toned down for a relaxing bath and dialed up for detailed func- tions such as makeup application. Gone are the days of one control switch for a ceiling light. Today it’s much more about creating a holistic lighting experience in the bath.
“In kitchens, my clients are going with larger pendant lights over their islands and some sort of statement piece, usually over the breakfast table. Kitchen lighting is very interesting because it’s where you really see people’s [preferences] come out. There is such a breadth of styles available, and because kitchens are the gathering point of a home, people are expanding them, even adding a second island.
“I typically don’t mix lighting nishes within a room — but I do encourage using xtures from di erent collections [or brands]. In the bathroom,
“Clients are becoming more adventurous with lighting — especially in their bathrooms.”
I’m seeing more black or dark bronze nishes that have an edginess to them. In the kitchen, people are gravitating toward a warm – yet subdued – brushed brass or gold. Living Coral, the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year, goes beautifully with those warm tones, so it’s right on trend. I wouldn’t be surprised to see lighting xtures being intro- duced that have a pop of coral on them.
“I like to show clients how pieces can work together and complement each other with simi- lar lines and styling. Ultimately, kitchen and bath design is not a ‘one size ts all’ project. Every homeowner has to nd the style that feels right for them.”
24 enLIGHTenment Magazine | february 2019
www.enlightenmentmag.com
TOP: Faucets aren’t the only elements in the kitchen receiving color; cabinets and appliances (such as the GE Café ones here) are, too.
LEFT: The GE Café line is available in
a range of metallic nishes.
ABOVE RIGHT: For this powder room, designer Maria Viola Ku ru mixes light- ing from di erent manufacturers.