How to pick the right lighting for your kitchen

One of the questions I get asked often is, “Where do I put lighting in my kitchen? Just in the ceiling and decorative?” The simple answer is yes and no. The reason being is because yes you do need lighting in your ceiling and its always nice to have decorative lights too, however you should have under counter lights as well. There are so many layers of lighting when it comes to the kitchen to help you see what you are doing. The last thing you would want to do is not have enough light and cut yourself while prepping.

So, how do you determine how and where to put the lighting? Well, if you are working with a kitchen designer, they can help you with this, however if you aren’t here is how I lay this out. First, start off with determining the type of lighting you want to use. Here are the options (Lets hope I don’t forget any):

1) Recessed Lighting (aka high hats, cans, general lighting)

2) Pendant Lighting (typically over an island or peninsula)

3) Under counter Lighting (task lights, lights that are under your upper cabinetry)

4) In cabinet lighting (if you have glass front cabinets)

5) Wall washing lights/ directional lighting (to highlight art, to light an island brighter)

Once you have decided the types of lighting you need, next is the layout. Some of the listed lighting is a given as to where to put them, ie under cabinet lighting. Others have a difference of opinion, however this is how I typically lay them out. In a 8’ or 9’ ceiling height, I try and put the recessed lighting about 3’-4’ apart and about 2’ off of the wall. these should line up with the edge of the countertop. These will be your general lights and you don’t want them too far off of the wall as they will start to cast a shadow on the countertop. The under counter lighting will light the counter and the pendants will be more of an ambiance light depending on the fixture. If budget allows it, I like to add wall washers (or any directional light) over the island on either side of the pendants to help light the surface. If you have glass cabinetry you can light the interior of the cabinet from the front back. This is the best way to light a glass cabinet evenly. if you have a light in the top, you have to use glass shelving in order to light the entire cabinet, which the lighting will dissipate and not light the entire cabinet evenly.

There are also times you can add more decorative lighting then just pendants and hanging fixtures. Sometimes you can add scones or library style lights over a window. These are purely decorative and don’t provide enough lighting for your work surface, so keep that in mind when deciding on lighting layouts.

When deciding on in cabinet or under cabinet lighting, I always prefer an LED tape light. They can come in a variety of colors, warm, or cool lighting and even colored lights! I try and stay in the warmer tones, but its a personal preference when it comes to lighting colors. If you are using a polished countertop, try and use an extrusion or diffuser with the LED tape lights as you won’t see the reflection of the diodes (or the small light output). These add depth and will need to be accounted for when ordering your cabinetry.

Another question I am asked often is how low/high do you hang pendants or chandeliers. A good rule of thumb is anywhere from 30-40” above the countertop height. In some cases you may want it higher or lower depending on the room, how high the ceilings are, how big the fixture is, etc. I like to have pendants just high enough that you can see under them when standing, so that if you are entertaining you can still have a conversation with your guests.

As I mentioned earlier, not all lighting will lay out like this. It is always best to work with a professional whether it be a designer, architect, or lighting specialist to give you optimum lighting. There are always ways to make sure you light the space well enough to see, but also add accent lighting.

All images on this blog post were taken by Linda McManus Photography.

About me!!

Hey Everyone! I figured I would take this time to introduce myself in more detail now that I have done so on my social media’s. This one will go a little further in depth so you can choose to read on if you wish:)


So, who the heck is Katy Retzbach?? Let’s start by saying I am a mom, and I absolutely LOVE being a mom. I have 3 amazing kids, Harper (3 years old) and twins, Andrew and Scarlett (19 Months old). I also have 2 dogs, Peter and Frankie as well as an amazing husband, Andy. We currently live in Newtown Square, PA and bought our house in 2016, a rancher from 1950 that has never been updated. That being said, we bought this house with the intent that we could eventually build up and renovate the existing footprint as well. Since we bought the house, we have completely gutted one bathroom (pictures on my website of the blue vanity and crazy flooring), finished the basement (my now office), and painted just about every room in the house, except for the kitchen. (I can’t wait to gut the kitchen and expand it into the dining room).

I started my business full time when I had my daughter, Harper, 3 years ago. I decided the timing was right to take the leap and leave the company I worked for to start my own, full service Interior Design Service. It was by far the scariest thing, aside from becoming a new mom, that I have ever done. I was so nervous I wouldn’t be busy, that people wouldn’t hire me, or take my advice if they did. I learned quickly that I LOVED working for myself and being able to be home with my daughter, but still do what I love. Now I sit here, 3 years later, busier than every, with 3 kids under 3……what in the world was I thinking??? LOL. I honestly wouldn’t change it for the world. My kids, family and business mean absolutely everything to me.

Speaking of which, my business. Like I said, its something I love doing and enjoy being able to help clients create their dream spaces, homes, rooms to help them live a better life. Most people think of a designer and they think I just pick paint colors, pillows and furniture, but if you saw what I do any given day you would see it’s so much more than that. I not only do those things, but I also manage expectations, I make sure the process is fun (because lets be honest its stressful to have your home ripped apart), I stay on top of projects during the build out, draw lighting plans, details of cabinetry and millwork, and also select the finishes. On the back end, I schedule appointments at showrooms, I invoice and manage my money, pay bills, order samples, and god knows how much more at any given time. But to be honest, as stressful as it can be at times, I absolutely love it. I love the details, I love the chaos (seriously, did you see I have 3 kids under 3?? ). I love working with new clients, builders, GC’s and tradesman. I love learning why things are done the way they are (in the field) to help me better understand how I can be a better designer.

As if all of that wasn’t enough, I also sit on the board of the NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) for the Mid-atlantic Chapter, as well as the IFDA Philly chapter. These organizations help me as a designer, stay up to date on the newest technology, meet new trades to work with, and expand my knowledge in this field. I can learn anything from how to drain a shower properly with certain products, what type of tile is good to use in a steam shower, or even what CFM’s you need to vent your range. Its amazing how much at any given time we need to know in order to be better at what we do.

So what else do you need or want to know about me? I enjoy cooking, I love going for hikes, I love just going out to dinner or to the movies with my husband or even drinks (when the world is open) with friends. I also enjoy meeting new people who share similar life goals and daily ideas. I love learning about what I do (or anything for that matter). I believe that if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. There is never a day that goes by that I am not trying better myself or my business. I graduated from Arcadia University with my BFA in Interior Design and unfortunately its was when the economy crashed. I then worked for a philly designer for about 2 years and decided I needed to better my education and went back to school at Drexel University and received my Masters of Science in Interior Architecture and Design. The day after I walked in my graduation from Drexel, I got my first “real” full time job at a custom cabinetry and millwork manufacturer, Village Handcrafted Cabinetry. It was there I learned my love for details, millwork and cabinetry, and lets be honest, its easy to do so when you get to design such amazing things for clients. When I didn’t understand something, I was able to go into the shop, where they make everything, and see it for myself and that’s when I fell in love with cabinetry. The details that go into a cabinet are just amazing. When I ask clients now about what they are looking for I ask them all of these questions: What style cabinetry do you like- flush inset, overlay, beaded inset? Do you like painted or stained cabinetry? Raised or flat panel? Traditional or Transitional? The list goes on. Then there’s the molding on the cabinetry, that can really just elevate what the cabinetry looks like. It’s amazing how many things go into a kitchen or bathroom design these days.

So, that’s my story. I own and operate, Designs By Katy Lynn, LLC inc out of my home. My 2 year plan is to have a space outside of my house and my 5 year goal is to have a team that works for me in my space. I hope that in the next 10 years I can elevate my business to a successful design firm that the second someone says my name, there is nothing but rainbows and butterflies:). One can be hopeful, can’t they?

I hope you enjoyed learning more about me and my life. Please follow along on my social medias as that is the most up to date projects I currently have going on.

How has 2020 changed the design industry and what does that mean for you (the client)

Its crazy to sit here and think we are in 2021 and we were only supposed to be “quarantined” for 2 weeks in March and everything was going to just vanish. As I sit here in January of 2021, I continue to think about all of the crazy things that have happened last year. The biggest change to have happened was the inflation of cost for standardized items used in the everyday building industry. One of those many things that got highjacked in price was a good old fashioned 2 x 4. Can you believe that before Covid hit, the price of a 2 x 4 was around $4-$4.50?? Wanna take some guesses at where its priced in January 2021?? Anyone….Bueller….Bueller…… $8-$9 a piece!! Holy cow! Its basically doubled the price and not to mention I am not even sure if you can find them in stock at many places these days.

So why, you ask, have things bumped up in price? Well, the obvious and easy answer is: Covid. When the world shut down for 2+ weeks, so did the manufacturing of most things. That means that for 2 weeks there were no 2 x 4’s being made or sold. Crazy! Well, now there is not only a backlog, but there are also an insanely amount of people renovating their homes being that they are stuck inside them! So, what do we do when we are stuck at home looking at the same 4 walls everyday?? WE DEMO THEM!!! hahaha and build new ones!

And to be honest, that is exactly what is happenings. People are stuck in their homes and looking at the things they have never had time for, so now they are deciding to get it done while they have the time and not to mention most people are doing it themselves. They are not going on vacations anymore so their money is being spent elsewhere, their homes. What better way to do this then by becoming “fixer upper” and Chip and Joanna Gaines”ing” your world!! SHIPLAP SHIPLAP SHIPLAP!! haha if you’re into that….haha. But in all seriousness, this is what is going on. The only downfall is that because everyone is doing it, demand is higher for items that used to be mostly purchased by the contractor doing it. You can’t even buy an appliance right now without the timeframe of getting it being months…if not a year! Its ABSOLUTELY NUTS!

Okay, so why am I sharing this info you ask? No, I am not trying to scare you away from doing the renovation of your dreams. I am merely telling you that if you want to do the Reno, then plan ahead. Hire the right people, give yourself more time to get it done and expect it to cost slightly hirer than you originally expected. It will take time, things will be backordered, products are more expensive, that is all. So, if you can sit here after I have said all of this and say “my renovation still needs to get done and I am okay waiting and paying a little more” then DO IT!! Start the project, get things going and give yourself the renovation you have been waiting for!!

What comes first, the designer or the contractor??

Just about every new client I speak to asks me, “Who do I interview and hire first? The contractor or the designer?” My answer is 99% of the time the Designer, and not just because I am one, but because if you don’t, what the heck is the GC (contractor) giving you an estimate for?

The reason the Designer comes first is just this, you meet and interview a designer that you think will work with you how you envision (and yes it is always an interview process, you are interviewing them and they are doing the same-but that’s for another blog post) and come up with a design you love. Once you finalize the design, then you can bid out the exact same design to numerous contractors. They can see what you are looking for instead of playing the guessing game. They can take notes on the drawings for anything they need to bid the job accordingly. You can have a meeting with the GC’s and the designer, that way there is a clear vision as well as what is expected of them.

For instance, if you are doing a full kitchen overhaul, you don’t typically want to interview someone who hasn’t had experience doing kitchens before. You also want to make it very clear what you want them to include in their bid, ie: installing appliances, who is supplying the lighting fixtures, where will you be getting the cabinetry from and is it stock or custom?

If you know this ahead of time with the designer, it is easier for them to give you a realistic bid as opposed to getting into the process to find out no one had included installing all of your appliances. Then you could be hit with a change order later on, which is never good. Designers also typically have a handful of GC’s they are used to working with. That’s always good because they typically both know how each other works, the type of communication needed and expected, as well as the quality of work.

I have often been asked “do you work with any GC?” The long and short of it is always, yes, however if I haven’t worked with them before, we are both walking into the project a little blind sided. It’s best practice to work with someone that has either been referred to you or that you have been recommended using by someone in the trade. There are many people out there that can swing a hammer and make things look good, but the last thing you want and need is a lazy GC that put something in out of convenience to them, vs out of the design intent. This may sounds like nothing, but I once worked with a GC (in my previous job) who decided to build a wall instead of using a Lolli column like spec’d out and it changed the ENTIRE custom cabinetry layout. It may not sounds like a ton, but this little thing that could have been easily communicated was done out “ease” for the him and it then changed all of the cabinetry that surrounded this are, which then pushed back the countertop template and installation, which then pushed back the plumbing, electrical, etc. You get the point, right?

At the end of the day (at least as I sit here in January 2021) anyone in this business that is good at what they do are back up and busy! Our industry has never seen such renovation work since everyone is in their homes looking at the numerous projects they have put off, until now!! So, make sure you interview everyone working on your project. You need a good team or the project just doesn’t have the same outcome.

So like the memes out there that say: Eat the donut, buy the dress…. I am going to say : Hire the designer, interview the GC and have fun with your project and your team of builders and craftsman! Because the fun of the renovation is the end result, and you want it to be just what you envisioned.

Here is an image of a bathroom project that was completely thought out as far as location of any and everything. Photo credit: Linda McManus Photography

New Year, New Me

Every year I decide on my New Years resolution, like everyone I know and every year I complete it for the first month or so then its the old “well, that was good while it lasted”. This year is going to be different (or at least that is what I am telling myself). I have been listening to a ton of podcast’s recently on how to better my business and many of them say things like, “ do what you love to do in your business and pay someone to do the things you don’t like to do”. So this year I have decided I need to (and want to) start my blog up again. Clearly I have been slacking, but this year will be different! YEAYY!!!

So welcome to my 2021 addition of my blog’s! So here are things I have decided to do in 2021 for you and for my business:

1. Create my list of Values for my business: Basically, what do I believe in??

2. Hire a bookkeeper (Check and check)

3. Be more Organized

4. Study for my AKBD (this is huge in my field. Its the associate Kitchen and Bath Designer and I have told myself for the last 3 years I would take the test, well this year I AM going to do it!)

5. Blog once a week (ahh well at least this week’s is done!) haha

6. Be even better at communicating!

7. TAKE OVER THE WORLD! HAHAHA …..wait…..sorry that one slipped in there a bit.

Okay, so now that it’s all on paper, you all can hold me accountable for it:).

You may or may not notice from my blog’s that I tend to be funny, or at least try to be. I also LOVE what I do! I learned early on in life that if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. Let’s be honest, from social media, everyone looks like they love what they do and love their lives, but my life isn’t always so glamorous. My blog this year will show you the pretty pictures you see online, but it will also break down the in’s and outs of the design business, the truth’s on everything related to the construction business and design life and maybe even surprise you with a thing or two, like an awesome recipe, a cool place to stay, or even pictures of my loud, obnoxiously cute kids:). Hehe. Whatever I post, I hope you enjoy it and please share with your friends, family, neighbors and even strangers! Heck, the more the merrier!!n So sit back, relax and enjoy the read!

Happy 2021! To a new year and a new blog!!