In Cameron Diaz’s Manhattan apartment, designed by the revered Kelly Wearstler, the kitchen ignores almost every convention of a standard cooking space.
With its emerald lacquer cabinetry and bold, brass countertops, the room is unapologetically bold. However, the detail that draws the eye upward is the vintage tiered brass-and-glass flush mount suspended from the ceiling.
While task lighting has its place, Cameron's fixture feels more like a piece of jewelry. Her kitchen lighting process suggests that the ceiling deserves as much attention as the cabinetry and stone below it.
This approach is becoming increasingly popular among designers who want kitchens to feel layered rather than purely functional. ‘We have a penchant for intricate layering, combining warm and tactile materials to craft an inviting atmosphere. Lighting trends play a huge role in this,’ says interior designer Erik Munro.
‘A sculptural pendant or decorative light can add warmth, depth and personality to a kitchen, preventing it from feeling flat while still keeping the scheme elegant.’
On a slightly smaller scale, this Kishauna Glass Mount Fixture at Wayfair is one of my favorite ways to get Cameron's look. If you group some together, you can create a sculptural piece that's unique to your kitchen.
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If you want to recreate Cameron's ceiling-jewelry look, this fixture features the same multi-cylinder glass silhouette. It's crafted with clear glass cylinders and warm gold metalwork that diffuses light across low-profile ceilings.
For a similar warm brass and structured shade silhouette, this fixture is a standout. I love how the warm brass finish quickly elevates a small kitchen, adding Cameron-approved character and warmth to overhead task lighting.
An Art Deco-inspired twist on Cameron's feature, this piece exhibits ribbed fluted glass panels and a burnished brass base. The result is a diffused warm, textured light that will make an impression across any ceiling.
A beautiful Dutch oven earns its place on the stovetop as much as in the cupboard. The rich green enamel has a timeless quality that adds warmth to a kitchen, and it's iconic cookware that can be used for decades and eventually passed down.
Featuring scalloped edges, subtle speckling, and a deep forest green glaze, this beautiful dish taps into Cameron's colorway without a huge investment. It effortlessly balances beauty and practicality in a classic way.
Complete with an elegant glaze, this Moroccan ceramic jug is both practical and decorative. Ideal for storing kitchen essentials, it adds character and craftsmanship in a Cameron-approved tone.
Erik's point is a simple but important one: When the ceiling becomes part of the conversation, the rest of the room no longer has to do all the visual work.
A statement light is also one of the easiest ways to introduce personality into a kitchen, especially if the overall palette is restrained. ‘Lights are the easiest way to incorporate visually interesting talking-point objects into a room, adding depth and detail and expressing your personality,’ adds designer Esther Patterson.
‘In a white or cream kitchen especially, a statement light can really transform the space, bringing warmth, texture and individuality into what might otherwise feel quite restrained.’
For anyone looking to move beyond standard recessed lighting, the lesson from Cameron's green kitchen is confidence. Scale matters, and so does choosing a fixture with presence. ‘Sometimes, it’s right to go all out to make a real lighting statement in your kitchen or dining area,’ Esther adds.
‘There’s so much choice today and anything goes – a bold pendant or sculptural light can bring drama, color and excitement to a space.’
Whether it’s a vintage brass fixture or a contemporary sculptural pendant, treating kitchen lighting as a decorative focal point rather than a practical necessity can completely change the way the room feels.
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