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You’re in the right place!  We are a husband and wife team who LOVE this business and love doing good work for good people.  We’re believe in the face-to-face version of this business built and not the one that hides behind websites and fake five star reviews.

As a husband-and-wife team we’ve been in and around the home business for over thirty years.  And because of that, we can’t possibly convey all of that experience in a few mouse clicks.  Reach out.  Connect.  Come see us at one of the home shows.  We are quietly one of the fastest growing renovation companies in Calgary and look forward to hearing about your project large or small. Just FYI, EVERY contractors bread and butter are smaller projects so don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Kitchen Lighting Guide: Layered Lighting for Calgary Kitchens

Kitchen Renovations

Great Kitchens Use Three Layers of Light

Lighting is the single most underrated part of a kitchen renovation. A poorly-lit kitchen feels small and uninviting no matter how nice the finishes are. Here’s how we light Calgary kitchens.

The Three Layers

1. Ambient Lighting (General)

Recessed pot lights or a central fixture. This is your base. Rule of thumb: one 4″ or 6″ LED pot light per 16-20 sq ft.

2. Task Lighting (Work Zones)

Undercabinet LED strips, pendants over the island, and lighting above the sink. You need bright, focused light where you actually chop, read recipes, and cook.

3. Accent Lighting (Decorative)

In-cabinet lighting on glass cabinets, toe-kick LED strips, pendant lights as art, cove lighting. This is what makes your kitchen feel custom.

Recessed Lighting Layout

  • 4″ LED pot lights for kitchens under 150 sq ft
  • 6″ LED pot lights for larger kitchens
  • Space them 3-4 feet apart, 2-3 feet from walls
  • Use dimmable LEDs (2700K-3000K for warm, 3500K for neutral)

Island Pendants: Sizing Guide

Island Length Pendant Config
4-5 ft 2 pendants (12-14″ diameter)
6-7 ft 2-3 pendants (14-18″)
8-10 ft 3 pendants (16-20″) or 1 linear
10 ft+ 3-4 pendants or 1-2 linear fixtures

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⚠ Estimate Disclaimer: These are only ROUGH estimates that can vary wildly. Do not take these numbers as gospel. Having a defined scope of work and exact selections will give you clarity.

Hang pendants 30-36″ above the countertop, bottom of pendant.

Undercabinet Lighting

Non-negotiable in every kitchen we design. LED strips or puck lights under upper cabinets eliminate shadows on the counter. Hardwired with a dedicated switch is ideal ($300-$600 installed).

Colour Temperature: What’s Right for Calgary Kitchens?

  • 2700K: Warm white — cozy, matches incandescent, good for traditional kitchens
  • 3000K: Soft white — most popular, flattering to food and skin
  • 3500K: Neutral — clean, modern, great for white kitchens
  • 4000K+: Too cold — feels like an office (avoid in homes)

2026 Lighting Trends in Calgary

  • Oversized linear pendants over long islands
  • Bouclé and fabric pendant shades
  • Unlacquered brass and aged brass finishes
  • Smart lighting (Lutron, Kasa, Philips Hue)
  • Integrated LED strips in upper cabinet valances
  • Puck lighting inside glass display cabinets

What Kitchen Lighting Costs

Package Cost Installed
Basic (pot lights + 1 pendant) $800 – $1,500
Standard (pot lights + pendants + undercabinet) $1,800 – $3,500
Premium (layered + smart controls + in-cabinet) $4,000 – $8,000

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⚠ Estimate Disclaimer: These are only ROUGH estimates that can vary wildly. Do not take these numbers as gospel. Having a defined scope of work and exact selections will give you clarity.

Related Articles

Pillar Guide: Kitchen Renovations Calgary: The Complete Guide

Planning your renovation? Start with our complete Calgary renovation guide.

Contact Olympic City Renovations for a free consultation.

Olympic City Renovations serves Calgary, Priddis, Okotoks, and surrounding communities.