Kitchen renovation: this LED lighting mistake Ana Ramos deeply regrets, don’t repeat it

Few home improvements can transform a space like a kitchen reno. But lighting—especially LED lighting—can easily make or break the whole vibe. Ana Ramos learned this the hard way, and her experience is a warning worth heeding.

Choosing LED is trendy and energy-efficient, sure. But the devil hides in the details. A misstep in LED placement or switch planning may leave you with a kitchen that’s too harsh or oddly lit.

Why Ana Ramos regrets her LED lighting setup in her kitchen renovation

It’s tempting to just install a bunch of recessed LEDs and call it a day. Ana did exactly that—only to find her kitchen feels more like an operating room. Too bright, too stark, lacking any cozy ambiance.

What’s worse, Ana painfully missed placing a crucial light switch where she’d most often reach for it. This oversight turns everyday kitchen use into a minor frustration that piles up.

Experienced renovators caution against rushing lighting decisions. Ana’s electrician showed up early one day, ready to work—and she hadn’t fully nailed down the plan. She trusted the pros but wishes she’d taken more time to contemplate where her lights would really shine best.

The pitfalls of too many recessed LED lights

Recessed LED ceiling lights can look sleek but too many can flood the room with cold, clinical brightness. It’s like cooking under a spotlight that never dims. Ana’s kitchen might be scrupulously illuminated but completely lacking soul.

Lighting should complement space and mood, not overpower it. Balancing task and ambient lighting is key for any good kitchen. Ana’s mistake stresses how important light layering is—something that’s easy to overlook if you don’t stop and think.

How overlooked light switches complicate daily life

It’s a small detail—yet missing smartly placed switches can turn kitchen routines into little annoyances. Ana’s most-used counter ended up with no dedicated switch nearby. So she’s often reaching awkwardly, slowing down meal prep and causing mild irritation.

Many renovators admit these ‘minor’ fails stick with them longer than big aesthetic choices. It proves the point: practicality beats pure style every time in kitchen lighting.

Taking your time and planning lighting thoroughly matters

Lighting isn’t just about bulbs but also placement, controls, and ambience. Rushing this phase leads to regret, as Ana realized. She wishes she had paused the electrician to rethink the plan or added more variety in light types rather than going all-in on recessed LEDs.

Planning should cover switches, dimmers, under-cabinet lighting, and more. Thoughtful design often involves experimenting with settings before choosing final positions. Yes, it takes patience—but the payoff in a kitchen that feels just right is worth every minute.

Learning from Ana’s LED lighting mistake for your own kitchen renovation

Modern kitchens crave warmth, texture, and visual comfort. Just lighting the space bright doesn’t do it justice. Ana’s regret is a call to blend efficiency with atmosphere, mixing LEDs with softer spotlights or pendant lamps.

Think beyond just illumination: lighting shapes mood, guides workflow, and even influences food presentation. If there’s one takeaway, it’s this—don’t settle for standard LED kits without fiddling with placement and lighting types.

Fiona Godlee

At 38, I am a proud and passionate geek. My world revolves around comics, the latest cult series, and everything that makes pop culture tick. On this blog, I open the doors to my ‘lair’ to share my top picks, my reviews, and my life as a collector