SOMA Living January 2025

HOME DESIGN My real estate partner, Kim, and I were in a newly renovated house, and as we walked into the kitchen, I could see right away that the lighting wasn’t well thought out. I pointed to the ceiling. “See how this renovator put this nice symmetrical box of recessed lights all around the room?” I asked her. “Yeah, so what’s wrong with that?” “It’s all wrong. Well, to be fair, it’s okay; it’s just not the best functionality.” “I dunno, it looks fine to me,” she replied. “Oh sure, the place is all brightly lit like a furniture showroom or a dentist’s office. But these lights have a better function as task lights.” “How?” she inquired. “Come here,” I said as I walked to the edge of the counter. I looked up at the recessed light. “That light looks to be about 36 inches off the wall. So when I stand here

cooking…” I turned and stood at the counter as if working there. “Notice what I’m looking at?” I asked. “Imaginary onions,” she said snidely. “No… my shadow! That light is behind me, casting my shadow onto the countertop where I’d be working. The light should be placed 24 inches off the wall at the countertop’s edge, the depth of the base cabinets, which puts the light directly overhead so you can see what you’re doing and not cut yourself when you’re chopping real onions.” “Well, it’s too late for this kitchen,” she concluded. “True. I wish people would talk to me before renovating their house,” I added as we walked out.

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