
If you were to ask any designer for their top tips on making a kitchen more ambient, they would likely start with the lighting. Specifically, the concept of 'task lighting' encourages us to replace recessed lighting with smaller, focused fixtures that illuminate the areas that matter most. In actress Alexandra Daddario’s case, it's her kitchen island.
Unlike recessed fixtures that are scattered across a ceiling, strategically-placed pendants, just like Alexandra's, light up the space that matters the most. Her food-prep, cooking, and eating area is well-lit, while the rest of her kitchen isn't overly bright. It keeps her space feeling amibant, curated, and cozy without sacrificing practicality – something that's a fine line to master.