Next, task lighting. Continuous under-cabinet LED channels are the gold standard—no dots, no shadows, just clean, even light where you prep. Aim for 3000–3500K with CRI ≥ 90 for accurate food colors. Put them on their own switch; you’ll use these more than any other light in the house. At the island, pendants anchor the room visually. Choose sizes that scale with the island length—two larger fixtures or three smaller ones—and hang them so the bottoms sit roughly 30–36 inches above the counter. Consider low-glare diffusers or textured glass to avoid visible hotspots.
Accent lighting adds the magic. A toe-kick LED channel creates a floating effect and doubles as a night path. Inside glass cabinets, thin LED strips up the sides wash shelves evenly (top-mounted pucks create bright spots). If you’ve got a beautiful stone slab or tile feature wall, a grazing fixture or track with wall-wash lenses can bring the texture to life. Dimming is essential: separate zones for ambient, task, and accent allow nuanced scenes. Tie them to smart dimmers or a simple keypad for repeatable presets like “Cooking,” “Dinner,” and “After Hours.”
Color temperature should be consistent. Mix 2700K pendants with 4000K under-cabinet strips and the space will feel disjointed. Keep to a 3000–3500K band across all fixtures for a warm-modern vibe. Glare control matters too; pick recessed trims with a bit of regression and avoid bare bulbs at sightlines. For households also refreshing baths and comparing bathroom remodeling near me, apply the same principles: flank the vanity mirror with vertical sconces at eye level for shadow-free grooming, add a dimmable ceiling light, and consider a backlit mirror or cove for soft, spa-like glow. With a strategic layered plan, your Vienna kitchen becomes adaptable, flattering, and truly functional—morning to midnight.