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50 Stylish Light Fixtures for Your Kitchen

Illuminate the heart of your home with jaw-dropping kitchen lighting ideas that'll elevate your style.

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Enhance Your Kitchen Lighting

Your kitchen could be beige and boring, but with the right light fixtures the space can become an eye-catching design. Over the sink, over the island or over the dining table, check out these ideas on how you can enhance your kitchen.

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Photo: Alexandra Ribar. From: Leanne Ford
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Go Big With Contrasting Styles

The lighting in your kitchen can completely transform the look and feel of the space, taking it from ordinary to designer-worthy. In addition to layering task and ambient kitchen lighting, incorporate a fixture that makes a statement.

This inviting kitchen brings in rustic appeal with exposed wood beams and brick walls, throws in cottage charm with white cabinets, marble countertops and a subway tile backsplash, and then tops it all off with a dose of industrial-style lighting. Two Restoration Hardware Bistro Globe chandeliers are hung side-by-side for maximum impact over the farmhouse-inspired kitchen table.

Find inspiration for updating the heart of your home with our favorite kitchen lighting ideas.

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Photo: Lindsey King Photography. From: Kerrie Kelly
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Old-Hollywood Globes

Take notes from designer Kerrie Kelly and bring Old-Hollywood glamour to your kitchen with retro-industrial globe pendant lights. The iconic design features frosted glass, aged bronze and unlacquered brass hardware. Add similar pendants to elevate your modern, midcentury, industrial or eclectic kitchen.

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Photo: Werner Straube Photo. From: 2to5 Design
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Old Is New Again

When this 1888 Chicago home was remodeled, an open floor plan to meet a modern family's needs was a necessity. The updated kitchen now mixes contemporary and traditional elements for a space that's truly a gathering spot for family and friends. A trio of brass pendants from Circa Lighting stand out in the sea of warm woods and soft whites. A Restoration Hardware Wine Barrel Chandelier hangs over the streamlined breakfast table for a touch of Old World style.

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Photo: Kris Tamburello. From: Nathalie Milazzo
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Modern Geometrics

If a modern kitchen is more your speed, go all-in with a light fixture that steals the show. This overhead light is an eye-catching display that elevates this kitchen space.

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Photo: Caitlin Murray. From: Caitlin Murray
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Brass Is Back

Sleek hunter green cabinets plus black marble countertops equal a full-on showstopper kitchen. Beat tall pendant brass lights by Tom Dixon are the perfect blend of classic and contemporary, adding a just-right touch of warm metallic to the space. Brass continues in the teal-topped barstools, cabinet hardware and sink faucets, allowing the eye to travel throughout the whole kitchen.

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Photo: Keen Eye Marketing. From: JLV Creative
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Coastal Capiz

Creamy capiz light fixtures are popular picks for coastal, cottage and contemporary kitchens. The windowpane oyster shell creates an interesting shimmer in all-white spaces and makes a show-stopping statement against dark and moody kitchen designs, too.

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Photo: Alise O'Brien Photography
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Bring On the Metals

White-on-white architectural details abound in this open, cottage-inspired kitchen. The shiplap walls and exposed arched beams are joined by built-in cabinetry that maximizes storage and creates the opportunity for a rolling ladder. (Because who doesn't want one of those?) A jolt of color comes from the Kelly green island. And certainly not least, the Low Country Originals Double Copper Drum lights balance out the almost all-white of the space and add an industrial element that becomes an essential part of the design.

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Photo: Jared Kuzia Photography. From: Kristina Crestin
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Earthy Hues

There’s no denying that white shades are classic, but there’s something special about the natural alternatives used here. We’re smitten with muted, earth-tone shades because they offer unmatched texture, warmth and coziness in a kitchen design. Best part? This off-white finish looks striking paired with gold, brass, oil-rubbed bronze or nickel hardware.

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Photo: Amanda Kirkpatrick. From: Hendricks Churchill LLC
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Shades of Green

Soft green Muuto pendants create a subtle yet impactful moment in this cottage kitchen. By pulling their hue from the surrounding green soapstone countertops, they merge the kitchen island seamlessly with the Farrow & Ball's 'Dove Tale'-painted cabinets. Scandinavian-inspired barstools add welcome depth to the space.

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Photo: Robert Peterson, Rustic White. From: Brian Patrick Flynn
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Table Lamp Love

Table lamps are a failproof way to bring charm and ambiance to your kitchen counters. Interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn, uses twin ceramic and linen table lamps to cast this coastal kitchen in a homey glow after hours. Short on space? Get the same look by nestling a single, pint-sized accent lamp against your backsplash instead.

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Photo: Michael J. Lee. From: Jennifer Glickman
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Bigger Is Better

Step away from those old skinny pendants and embrace the size of bold pendant lights, like these Arteriors Home Armand Pendants. The hammered silver adds tactile appeal to this classic kitchen, which already has a striking display of contrast with two-toned cabinetry. Traditional trimwork and crown molding frame the space in a full-on timeless vibe.

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Photo: Jessica Alexander. From: Pure Salt Interiors
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Warm + Woven

Turn up the texture in your contemporary, modern or coastal style kitchen with a woven rattan pendant. The design pros at Pure Salt Interiors anchor this contemporary breakfast nook with a natural woven pendant. Not only does the pendant illuminate the space, but it mirrors the wood tones of the table below for a more cohesive design.

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Photo: Regan Wood Photography. From: Elizabeth Bomberger
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Clear Globes, Full Style, Can't Lose

This wow-worthy kitchen already stands out with a custom hot pink island and mosaic tile climbing rose backsplash. The key to lighting was to choose fixtures that add to the overall look without cluttering the space. Arteriors Home Caviar Fixed Staggered Pendants with their clear globes and polished nickel fittings make a statement without distracting from the awe-inspiring design elements.

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Photo: Sean LItchfield. From: Casagrande Studio
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Iconic Sputnik

This iconic midcentury fixture remains a designer favorite for kitchens because their compact, malleable design provides ample space to walk, prep and serve food without concern of bumping your head in the process. The leggy design features a whimsical silhouette and a series of clear or smoky glass shades that cast light into the room below.

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Photo: Tobi Fairley. From: Tobi Fairley
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Style Meets Function

Robin's-egg-blue cabinets and a subway tile backsplash set the scene for this updated cottage kitchen. The monochromatic color palette allows the trio of Thomas O'Brien Garey pendant lights in polished nickel to create an eye-catching statement above the large family-friendly island. Striped barstools add texture and pattern, while mimicking the beadboard façade of the island.

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Photo: Peter Christiansen Valli. From: Kelly Ferm
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Colorful Globes

Blue and white ceramic and porcelain globes are having a major moment right now and we can’t get enough. This “trend” actually finds its roots in traditional design with porcelain chandeliers and chinoiserie table lamps. Interior designer Kelly Ferm takes a modern approach in this contemporary kitchen, with two minimalist-style blue and white glass pendants above the waterfall marble island.

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From: Fixer Upper
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Fair and Square

Two Creative Co-Op metal-and-wood square chandeliers bring farmhouse charm to this streamlined traditional kitchen, where the subtle blue-gray cabinets and range hood are paired with snowy white marble countertops and tile backsplash. The X shape of the light fixtures is repeated at the end of the island for a barn door-style look.

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Photo: Jeff Herr. From: James Farmer
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Luxe Linen + Gold Pendants

Looking for timeless light fixtures to illuminate your kitchen? Dreamy, linen drum pendants are foolproof additions to any traditional or transitional kitchen design. Designer James Farmer dangles a pair of creamy drums above the butcher-block island, balancing the natural elements with restrained glamour.

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Photo: Jeff Herr . From: James Farmer
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Classic Copper

Classical lanterns will never steer you wrong. Case and point? This stately sage farmhouse kitchen by interior designer James Farmer. Farmer brightens the expansive antique baker’s table with a pair of aged copper and bronze lanterns suspended at the center of the room.

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Photo: KuDa Photography. From: Jordan Iverson
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Up the Style Ante

A surefire way to make a design element stand on its own: choose the opposite shade of everything else in the space. Sleek oil-rubbed bronze lights from Rejuvenation create a striking contrast in this all-white and wood kitchen. The windows are also bordered in black to pull the hue throughout the space, and of course, frame the stunning landscape outside.

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Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg. From: Zoe Feldman Design
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Retro Charm

Retro-style fixtures add instant glamour to even the most lackluster kitchen designs. This midcentury semi-flush light boasts three frosted glass globes and gilt arms that slope towards the ceiling to provide ample walking clearance, below. Use a similar spherical design to elevate your pint-sized apartment kitchen or enhance your midcentury kitchen’s original charm.

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Photo: Bethany Nauert. From: Bryan Wark Designs, Inc.
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Reclaimed Contemporary

Dark, cramped kitchens are virtually obsolete. Open floor plans that seamlessly combine the kitchen and dining spaces merge our love of gathering around food with a pleasing, easy flow. Here, the light fixtures are not only eye-catching, they also create a striking juxtaposition. Over the kitchen island, vintage hammered-copper pendant lights add soul and personality while a contemporary branch-like Lindsey Adelman chandelier highlights the dining table, which combines two replica Saarinen Tulip bases with a reclaimed slab of Douglas Fir.

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Photo: Spacecrafting. From: Bria Hammel Interiors
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Glowing Bell Jar Lantern

The timeless hall (or “bell”) lantern is celebrated for its airy silhouette and ability to bring polish to any space. This gorgeous glass bell jar lantern serves as the crowning jewel of interior designer Bria Hammel’s kitchen with a glossy glass shade and eye-catching gilt hardware.

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From: Sarah's House
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Lighting With a Story

Instead of buying reproductions, look for the originals. Designer Sarah Richardson's love for antiques knows no bounds, so when designing this cool gray kitchen, she chose vintage lanterns from Of Things Past. The oversized light fixtures match the proportion of the 10-foot-long island to create an overall balanced design.

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Photo: Travis J. Photography. From: House of Jade Interiors
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Savvy Sconces

Wall-mounted sconces are, essentially, a modern take on built-in cabinet lights. Allow us to let you in on a little secret: We like sconces much, much better than their predecessors. Sconces allow you to showcase your style and make a statement in one fell swoop without overpowering the overall design to do so. House of Jade Interiors uses a pair of oil-rubbed bronze task lights to illuminate the open shelving in this expansive family kitchen. The bronze finish contrasts against the pearly marble backsplash, while also coordinating with the soapstone countertops below to create a cohesive and curated design.

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Photo: Julie Soefer. From: Marie Flanigan Interiors
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Elegant Iron

Shapely wrought-iron lanterns bring the drama in this otherwise muted and soft transitional kitchen by designer Marie Flanigan. Wrought iron fixtures are always on the most-popular list because they balance out airy white-on-white designs and add edginess to otherwise understated kitchens.

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Photo: Julie Soefer Photography. From: Marie Flanigan Interiors
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The Right Mix

The balance of warm wood and clean white blend for an inviting, eat-in kitchen. Steel-and-linen light fixtures from Low Country Originals add an eye-catching accent above the dining table, which is surrounded by classic Parsons chairs and a tufted gray bench. Statement-making doesn't have to mean elaborate. Clean lines and simple shapes are often the perfect combination for leaving a lasting impression.

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Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg. From: Zoe Feldman Design
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Sink Spotlight

Take cues from designer Zoe Feldman and use a dainty pendant light to create a spotlight over your kitchen sink. This technique is a designer go-to because it creates a natural visual focal point in your space and provides practical visibility for everyday chores.

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Photo: G CRAWFORD. From: Doug Burdge
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Amp Up the Glam

No need for pendants when you can opt for chandeliers. Gorgeous crystal chandeliers from Dering Hall hang over this French Country-inspired dining area and the expansive kitchen island. This well-curated Malibu kitchen mixes styles perfectly: rustic, reclaimed wood finds its way to the pitched ceiling, classic herringbone flooring grounds the entire space and then for good contemporary measure, the range hood is a shocking bright yellow. Eclectic brilliance.

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Photo: S. Brenner Photography. From: TruDesign
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High-Style Lanterns

Blessed with a busy household? Install glass-free cage lanterns in your kitchen now and thank us later. Not only are these high-contrast fixtures completely gorgeous, but they also require much less dusting than traditional glass-clad lanterns. Same look with half the cleaning? It’s a no-brainer.

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From: Drury Design
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Reclaimed for a Purpose

Contemporary and traditional styles come together in this warm, inviting kitchen designed for entertaining. Dark chocolate oak cabinets, granite countertops and tumbled stone floors combine with sleek stainless steel appliances and streamlined barstools. Yet the real star of the space is the trio of Milk Bottle Lamps by Tejo Remy, which repurpose standard milk bottles into a polished, contemporary light fixture.

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Photo: Butter Lutz Interiors. From: Butter Lutz Interiors
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Statement Making Style

Oversized fixtures are a growing trend in kitchen lighting, so don't be afraid to choose fixtures that make a statement. The flowing art-like light fixture above this eating area serves as the focal point and centerpiece in this modern kitchen

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Photo: Preview First. From: Inplace Studio
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Elegance Never Goes Out of Style

This timeless kitchen is full of opulence, from the custom cabinetry and marble countertops to the built-in china cabinet and classic moldings. A skylight above the massive island bathes the space in natural light, while Victorian Hotel Pendants from Restoration Hardware add a touch of sophistication.

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Photo: Ryann Ford. From: Butter Lutz Interiors
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Mixed Metals

Brass and black are a match made in heaven in this inviting chef’s kitchen by Butter Lutz Interiors. The modern glam lanterns showcase the mixed-metal lighting trend at its best. Use a similar mixed metal fixture in your kitchen and pair it with mixed cabinet hardware throughout for a cool, curated result.

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Photo: Amy Lutz. From: Butter Lutz Interiors
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Be Transparent

Kitchen pendants may be a small detail, but they have a huge impact on the overall look of your design. The open framed simplicity of the Hadley Chandelier from Ballard Designs fits in perfectly with the updated classic style of this family-friendly kitchen.

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Photo: Williams Trew, a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: Williams Trew and Luxury Portfolio International®
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Glamour Begets Glamour

Think about style, function and flow when lighting your kitchen. The acrylic and brass chandeliers complement this kitchen's elegant contemporary design, and provide valuable lighting above the two islands and adjoining breakfast table.

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Photo: Amy Bartlam. From: Natalie Myers
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Seek the Unexpected

A giant marble kitchen island may take center stage in this midcentury modern kitchen, but the lighting deserves its fair share of attention. The Resident Lighting Tri Pendant almost seems to hover above the island and adds a contemporary geometric note to the space. The Danish-inspired Very Large Luxus Glass Globes Chandelier by Uno and Osten Kristiansson elevates the breakfast area to next-level chic.

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Photo: Drury Design. From: Drury Design
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Simple and Sophisticated

For this family of five, an oversized kitchen island was a must. Clad in honed snow-white granite, the island is illuminated by traditional-style Chapman Country lights from Visual Comfort. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry maximizes storage (another must-have!), while glass upper cabinets keep the space light and airy.

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Photo: KuDa Photography 2015. From: Jordan Iverson
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Make It One-of-a-Kind

Maximizing the potential of the structural steel beam, designer Jordan Iverson custom designed an industrial-meets-modern light fixture that mixes steel with exposed bulbs and wires.

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Photo: Hendricks Churchill. From: Hendricks Churchill LLC
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Ruffled + Refined

Treat your kitchen to some serious eye candy with ruffled light fixtures. This dreamy pendant duo demands attention above the butcher-block island in this teal kitchen by Hendricks Churchill LLC. Another way to get this charming look: table lamps with pleated fabric shades.

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Photo: Collete Wright, the lipstick lens. From: Susannah Watts
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Blend Vintage and Modern

Built in the early 1900s, this house was completely remodeled with a modern aesthetic that still reflects the home's history through exposed brick walls and reclaimed wood open shelving. Smart configuring ensured the homeowners were able to install an island in the small kitchen, doubling their counter space. The modern brass chandelier (Model No. 2464) from ModcreationStudio on Etsy infuses the space with a midcentury modern vibe.

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Photo: Dionel Fisher- The Mittentog. From: Susannah Watts
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Made for Crowds

This extra-long island clad in a waterfall countertop with comfy leather barstools is the ultimate gathering spot for grabbing a snack, hanging out while dinner is prepped or working on a project. Five of the Sculptural Glass Globe Pendants from West Elm are hung at varying heights for a custom look without the major price tag.

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Photo: Greg Riegler Photography. From: Cheryl Kees Clendenon
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Throw Out the Rulebook

There are no rules for what hangs over your kitchen island anymore. Look beyond streamlined pendants to light fixtures typically found in foyers or dining rooms. A pair of Leah Chandeliers from Gabby illuminate this island with an antiqued gold finish and intricate wire frame.

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Photo: Tim Street-Porter. From: Tim Barber Ltd.
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Inspired by the Past

From top (soaring vaulted ceilings) to bottom (herringbone-pattern wood floors), this kitchen features a wealth of eye-catching design elements. The Shaker-style island clad in white-and-gray marble brings in a timeless quality. A trio of Vintage French Glass Globes from Avantgarden are inspired by antique 1950s French designs and made from holophane glass.

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Photo: House of Jade Interiors. From: House of Jade Interiors
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Duplicate Your Style

Double the islands. Double the lighting. This pair of islands multiplies the counterspace in the kitchen while also providing designated areas for dining and prepping. Classic lampshade-inspired pendants are strikingly juxtaposed with the all-white kitchen. The black Butte Cone Aged Brass Pendant from Rejuvenation has aged brass bronze detailing.

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Photo: Ryan Garvin. From: Tracy Lynn Studio
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Origins of Light

Open and bright white, this kitchen uses floor-to-ceiling cabinets for ample storage potential. To bring in unexpected sources of natural light, windows rather than traditional tile form the backsplash on the oven wall. The dine-in island is topped with crisp white countertops and highlighted by the Haskell Chandelier from Arteriors. Antique brass and clear acrylic are combined in the stunning chandelier.

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Photo: Sean Litchfield. From: Becky Shea Design
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Create a Focal Point

Muted blues and distressed woods are mixed in this modern farmhouse kitchen. The central feature of the space is the Clear Band Pendant light fixture from John Pomp, which features a mix of hand-blown sculpted glass crystal pendants.

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Photo: Lindsay Salazar. From: House of Jade Interiors
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Be Inspired by Vintage

Everything about this kitchen shows off its love of farmhouse style: shiplap walls, furniture-like island, quilt-like cutouts in the cabinets and retro appliances. To complete the look, vintage-inspired pendant lights (Metal No. 1 from Hudson Valley Lighting) in an antiqued bronze hang over the island.

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Photo: Ryan Garvin. From: Tracy Lynn Studio
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Seeing It Clearly

The versatility of clear globe pendants makes them an ideal pick for any kitchen. These Globus pendant lights from The Urban Electric Co. are oversized to create a major statement. For this kitchen, designer Tracy Lynn opted for a frosted finish, but the globes are also available in transparent and mirrored surfaces.

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Photo: Becky Kimball Photography. From: House of Jade Interiors
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Stick to One Color

Shades of gray give this kitchen a monochromatic effect, but with some contrast. The Mixed Metal Schoolhouse Pendants from Shades of Light combine with the dark gray island to deliver a cohesive aesthetic.