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counters, require focused task lighting from pendants or island fxtures. Breakfast nooks can be lit with a single glass globe, a decorative pendant or even a cluster of smaller pendants hung at varying heights for maximum visual impact. A wall sconce or two can provide addi- tional ambient light, focused in the eating area." That's a lot of lighting to plan and specify. "We are seeing a lot of mixing of pendant sizes and varying lengths – it's less about matchy-matchy and more about adding something that is unique to your own design," Studio Italia's Weisinger adds. "Kitchens are always the most multifunctional room in the house. This space serves as our adjunct ofce and, of course, cooking and entertain- ing areas," comments Lamps Plus' Murphy. "Knowing the function allows us to provide the best possible lighting." Not only do you need ambient and task lighting, he says, "you need accent lighting to draw attention to those special details like the woven tile backsplash, copper hammered hood or art work." Kitchens with a single lighting source are as obsolete today as the fuorescent light box that so often provided it in the past. BATHROOM LIGHTING TRENDS "Lighting is no longer an after- thought when it comes to de- signing the bathroom. People are starting to realize that having bold decorative lighting choices that focus on the details can add a layer of in- trigue and sophistication," says Hudson Valley's Fields. "While fush mounts are still con- sidered standard for ambient bathroom lighting, pendants and small chandeliers can add unexpected elegance to this utilitarian space. Even crystal ceiling chandeliers are now be- ing used as an engaging focal point in the bathroom." KGM's lighting designer McNicholas adds, "Bathrooms have become oases, as homeowners want the spa atmosphere from the comfort of their home. Soft indirect lighting used to accentuate feature wall materials, along with decorative light fxtures for a little sparkle, can begin to create calm and tranquil spaces. Mirrors are also playing a role in light- ing, as they can be foating with backlighting or have LED fxtures that are completely fush with the mirror." "We are seeing more pendant lighting be- ing used on the sides of the vanity, integrated lighting in showerheads and LED lighting strips inside cabinets and as accent lighting around the base of bathtubs and under foat- ing vanities," shares Murphy. April 2016 • KitchenBathDesign.com 31 Simply put, there is no substitute for innovation, like the introduction of IKON ™ — the frst apron front sink of its kind. Our diligence to continuously improve SILGRANIT ® while pushing the boundaries of surface technology and design has resulted in 30 beautiful shapes, 8 universal colors and proven durability others can only dream about. After all, sinks and faucets are what we do. It's our heritage, our passion. If others have SINK ENVY we understand. www.blancoamerica.com 888-668-6201 Circle No. 17 on Product Card Continued