Great kitchens are not only about cabinetry and countertops. The right lighting plan changes how a space cooks, cleans, and entertains. In Toronto homes where winter nights are long and rooms can be compact, a layered lighting strategy makes every square foot work harder.

The Three Layers That Do the Heavy Lifting

Ambient fills the room with overall light so you can navigate safely. Think a modest grid of recessed downlights, a low‑profile surface fixture, or a track with adjustable heads.

Task targets work zones. The heroes here are continuous under‑cabinet LED bars over counters, focused light at the sink, and a pendant or two over the island for chopping and baking.

Accent adds depth and mood. Use toe‑kick LEDs, inside‑cabinet lighting for glass uppers, or a picture light over art to make the room feel finished.

Pro tip: put each layer on its own dimmer. That way, you can set a bright prep scene, a soft dinner scene, and a high‑output clean‑up scene without moving a single fixture.

Layouts For Toronto’s Most Common Kitchens

1) Galley kitchens in older semis and rows

• Run continuous under‑cabinet LED bars on both sides to eliminate shadows.
• Use a tight but minimal recessed layout. Start with one 4-in or 5-in downlight roughly every 4 to 5 feet, centered in the walking lane rather than above cabinet faces.
• Add a compact surface fixture or track at the center if the ceiling height is tight.

2) L‑shaped with an island

• Anchor the island with two or three pendants sized to the island’s length. A quick guide is one pendant for 4 ft, two for 5 to 6 ft, and three for 7 ft and longer. Keep 12 to 18 in from the island ends.
• Space recessed lights to fill the ambient between the island and perimeter without creating a runway.
• Finish with under‑cabinet bars on the L runs for prep.

3) Open concept after wall removal

• Blend kitchen and living room scenes. Keep multiple zones on separate dimmers so the kitchen can be bright while the living area is relaxed.
• Consider linear suspension over long islands to light evenly and reduce glare.

Related reading:

• Kitchen Remodel Playbook 2025
• Load‑Bearing Wall Removal Guide 2025

Under‑Cabinet Task Lighting That Actually Works

• Choose LED bars rather than dotted puck lights. Bars give an even wash on the counter.
• Aim for 90+ CRI for true food colors.
• Target 3000 K for a warm but crisp look that pairs with most Toronto interiors.
• Mount bars towards the cabinet front to push light forward and reduce backsplash glare.
• Hardwire to a switch or dimmer, or specify a low‑profile driver with a hidden access point.

Pendants and Island Fixtures: Scale and Spacing

• Diameter: A common rule is the pendant diameter multiplied by the count should be about two-thirds of the island length.
• Height: Keep the bottom of the pendant 30 to 36 in above the countertop to avoid sight line issues.
• Glare control: Choose diffusers or opal glass if you host often. Clear glass looks pretty, but it can create bright hotspots.

Recessed Lighting Without the Swiss‑Cheese Ceiling

• Use 4 in or 5 in downlights. They give cleaner beams and reduce glare compared to 6-inch units in low ceilings.
• Keep fixtures off cabinet faces to prevent harsh streaks. Center in aisles or over the island edge where you need ambient fill.
• In condos or older homes with limited ceiling depth, select IC airtight shallow housings with high efficacy.
• Choose beam spreads around 40 to 60 degrees for general fill, and a few adjustable gimbals for the sink or a feature wall.
• Always pair with dimmers so the room is bright for prep and soft for dinner.

Condo note: Many buildings require permits or board approvals for electrical work and may limit penetrations in concrete slabs. Work with your property manager before planning new recessed fixtures. See our Condo Renovations Guide 2025.

Color Temperature, CRI, and Consistency

• Stick to one color temperature in the same room. We recommend 3000 K for kitchens since it is warm enough for dining and crisp enough for prep.
• Look for CRI 90 or higher so produce and finishes look accurate.
• Order all trims and lamping together to avoid batch differences. Mix‑and‑match color temps are a common renovation regret.

Smart Controls and Simple Switch Plans

• Create scenes like Prep, Dine, and Clean with smart dimmers or a hub.
• Use multiple zones: pendants on one, under‑cabinet on another, recessed on a third.
• If rewiring, confirm you have a neutral wire in the box to support smart dimmers.
• Add wireless keypads where new wiring paths are tough in finished walls.

Budget Tiers For Planning

Good
Under‑cabinet LED bars, a pair of pendants, and a few quality recessed fixtures on basic dimmers. Best for galley kitchens and cosmetic refreshes.

Better
Add accent toe‑kick lighting, upgrade to high‑CRI trims, and introduce a smart dimmer or two for scenes. Ideal for L‑shapes with an island.

Best
Full multi‑zone smart controls, linear suspension over long islands, inside‑cabinet accents, and a tuned recessed layout that highlights architecture. Perfect for open concepts and chef‑style kitchens.

Mistakes We See Often

• Skipping under‑cabinet bars and relying only on ceiling lights.
• Mixing 2700 K and 4000 K in the same view.
• Placing downlights too close to upper cabinets.
• Forgetting to dedicate light to the sink.
• Not separating zones on dimmers, which makes every scene feel the same.

How JG Contracting Plans and Installs

1. Site check to confirm ceiling depth, wiring routes, and fixture clearances.
2. Lighting layout that matches your cabinet plan and work zones.
3. Fixture and control selection with samples when possible.
4. Clean install with patch and paint, then aiming and scene setup.
5. Walkthrough with tips on care, dimming ranges, and future bulb replacements.

Curious about project length and what to expect from start to finish? See our guide on construction timelines.

Ready To Light Your Kitchen The Right Way?

If you are planning a kitchen remodel in Toronto, we can design a lighting plan that looks great and works even better. From a quick refresh to a full electrical rework, our team will tailor a solution that fits your home and budget.

Ready to transform your home? Contact us today to book a consultation.

📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632

✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com

🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com