Few kitchens are as instantly recognizable as Ina Garten's monochromatic space. The Barefoot Contessa backdrop inside her East Hampton home has set the standard for classic American kitchens, including the little details – starting with her countertop lamps.
As a celebrity style editor, I admit that kitchen lighting is not the first thing I usually look for when exploring a figure's home. However, in Garten's case, her ambient table lamps demand attention. While I would typically talk about countertop colors or smart shelving, these lamps are unmissable.
The two lamps, seen on top of the kitchen island countertop, have changed what I thought about kitchen lighting. Originally, I thought that the kitchen was exclusively a place for spotlights or hanging pendants – both of which offer light from the ceiling. This way, the lights and fixtures are not in the way of your food prep or cooking. However, Garten's lamps make a case for a more atmospheric glow – and they don't take too much room on her counters.
Before seeing Garten's home, I wrongly assumed table lamps wouldn't have a place in the center of a kitchen. Sure, they're perfect for smaller tables in breakfast nooks or coffee corners, but putting them on an island felt somewhat impractical. However, if anyone can convince me otherwise, it's Garten.
The culinary expert has shaped how the country cooks from this very space – and no light has gotten in her way. On the contrary, they bring a warming, cozier glow than brighter ceiling lights and look sophisticated in the process. Plus, the task lighting is great for bringing light to certain areas where you might want extra brightness – for example, the space where you chop your food.
To best follow her example, I recommend choosing two lamps in similar colors to your island or cabinets – in Garten's case, this is black and white. I particularly love the Perennial Buffet Lamp (available from Saks Fifth Avenue) for a textured twist on Garten's classic choice. The spool-style crafting brings elegance to any part of your kitchen.
I love how this black lamp features a white fabric drum shade for a classic look that also elegantly diffuses the bulb's shine. It's the perfect amount of light for any kitchen countertop, especially when paired as a two.
The Perennial Buffet Lamp, meticulously shaped from solid wood and completed with a rustic-chic finish, features faux drip wax details on the candle sleeve. With this lamp, a laid-back coastal style meets monochromatic luxury.
This lamp is perfect for all white kitchen. Its gently tapered ceramic base is finished with a matte exterior that perfectly matches the conical linen shade, creating a accent piece that will completely change the atmosphere in your kitchen.
To take things further, Niki Wright and Scarlett Hampton, the co-founders of lights&lamps, add that you can achieve ambient kitchen lighting with a simple dimmer switch.
'There are a few ways in which [you can create ambiance with lighting in a kitchen]. The main way is to choose light fixtures where the light direction and brightness level are adjustable. Creating a layered, ambient lighting effect in any of these rooms can also be achieved by using dimmer switches, which will allow you to adjust the light levels throughout the day,' they say.
'For kitchens, consider using a low-hanging pendant over a dining table, which will cast a soft, warm hue over your dining space.' Has Garten's example changed how you see lighting in your kitchen?
