Attention all metal finishes….Gold is BACK, and better than ever. It’s good news for anyone that is currently struggling with trying to update their brass hardware based home with new lighting. Gold is on the trend…Again! Not that shiny show-every-finger-print kind of gold…a NEW gold. The lighting world is filled with lovely brushed brass and soft painted gold options this year. Some manufacturers have even succeeded in incorporating sleek and more sophisticated modern designs with the new hue, and the result is nothing short of fantastic. If you desperately want to rid your space of the old brass and glass fixture blues, but need something that will still work with all of that gold hardware, this is your time! And to any of you who are tired of the stainless and silver days, I encourage you to give gold a chance…again.

Many designers have pointed to creative use of light as a kitchen trend in 2010. People are coupling overhead recess lighting with accent lights to create dramatic effects and interesting design elements in the kitchen.  Right now personal expression is in vogue. Whether it’s highlighting design elements with light, adding custom work spaces, or creating comfortable living spaces within the kitchen, homeowners are making the kitchen their own.

There is a continuing movement toward tapping into one’s inner creativity, finding one’s personal expression.  An easy way to save is by using lighting creatively.  Layering light and adding decorative task or accent lighting in the kitchen is a great way to highlight design features without dishing out the dough.  Since the kitchen is such a busy space it needs to be bright — here are some ways to light it up:

• Install uplights on the tops of cabinets to highlight a  ceiling.

• Undercabinet lighting is always a popular way to brighten countertops and light your work spaces.

• Lights inside a cabinet can showcase cherished collections.

• Task lighting is an important part of any kitchen design, whether it’s over an island or counter. Installing a hood with built-in lights helps out when cooking at the stove.

• Don’t forget dimmers when planning a lighting scheme.