The Golden Rules of Kitchen and Bathroom Lighting with Studio Black Interiors
Lighting decisions can feel overwhelming, especially in the rooms you use most. Kitchens and bathrooms need to work hard as the spaces demand both function and atmosphere, but they should also feel welcoming and considered.
To guide us through the process, we turned to Maria Cerne, Principal Designer at Studio Black Interiors, whose work is defined by a belief that beauty and functionality go hand in hand. Their recent Green Street Residence project, which features Lighterior lighting in the kitchen and bathroom, offers a glimpse into this approach. In this conversation, Maria shares her top tips for making confident choices and ensuring your lighting works beautifully from day one.
If you had to name your “golden rules” for kitchen lighting, what would they be?
Layering is everything! A kitchen should never rely on one main light source. I always design with three tiers: ambient lighting to set the overall mood, task lighting for benches and cooktops, and accent lighting to bring warmth and character. Placement matters just as much as the fitting itself. Pendants should illuminate a benchtop without creating glare, while undercabinet lighting should wash surfaces evenly. The goal is to create a space that’s highly functional yet still feels calm and inviting.
And what about for bathroom lighting - what are the non-negotiables you always follow?
Balanced and flattering light at the mirror is non-negotiable. That usually means wall lights at face height on either side of the mirror. I also always include dimmable ambient lighting, for example, a soft glow from concealed LEDs, so the bathroom can shift from a bright, practical space in the morning to a serene retreat at night. I love to place concealed LEDs on a sensor, under the vanity for those nighttime bathroom trips. And finally, I plan for safety: no shadows over wet zones, and the right fittings rated for moisture.
"Rules give you structure, but sometimes the story of a home calls for something a little unexpected."
The Green Street Residence by Studio Black Interiors, featuring the Bode Wall Light
The Green Street Residence showcases a very refined, minimal look. How did your lighting choices support that vision while still following your rules?
At Green Street, restraint was key, so every choice was intentional and pared back. Slimline LEDs were integrated into joinery for a seamless effect, and bathroom wall lights were kept sculptural but understated. The result was a quiet rhythm of light that enhances texture without overwhelming the space. It’s a great example of lighting doing its work quietly in the background, elevating the minimal design rather than interrupting it.
Do you ever find yourself bending or breaking your own rules when a project calls for it?
Yes, but only with purpose. Rules give you structure, but sometimes the story of a home calls for something a little unexpected. I might choose an oversized pendant as a sculptural moment above a dining table even if the proportions are unconventional or place a light where it’s more about atmosphere than function. The key is knowing the principles so you can break them with intention, not by accident.
The Green Street Residence by Studio Black Interiors, featuring the Terra Cylinder 2lt Wall Light and Bode Wall Light
The Green Street Residence by Studio Black Interiors, featuring the Terra Cylinder 2lt Wall Light
What’s one mistake you often see in kitchens and bathrooms that could be avoided with the right lighting plan?
Too much reliance on ceiling downlights. A grid of LEDs across the ceiling may tick the “brightness” box, but it flattens the space and creates shadows where you need light most, at benches, sinks, and mirrors. The fix is simple: rethink lighting as layers and place it where people actually work and live, not just where it’s easiest to wire.
Many homeowners worry about longevity - how do you ensure lighting choices will still feel right in five or ten years’ time?
I avoid trends that feel loud or gimmicky. Instead, I look for forms and finishes that are timeless - soft brass, clean ceramics, natural materials and fittings that complement the architecture rather than dominate it. Quality matters too. Well-made fittings age gracefully, both in durability and style. Ultimately, lighting should feel like part of the home’s language, not an afterthought. When chosen with restraint, it will feel just as right in a decade as it does on installation day.
