NEXT-LEVEL Give your

switch I T U P

Swap out incandescent bulbs with LEDs to save money—and the planet. LEDs use 75 percent less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescents.

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Put your kitchen in its best light with bright ideas and brilliant products. By Sally Finder Weepie

banish B L AC K H O L E S

Use layers of lighting for prime function: pendants over the island, a lighted vent hood over the cooktop, sconces over the sink or work area, and lights that click on when you open cabinets.

earn S T Y L E P O I N T S

Changing out cabinets or countertops every few years may not be practical, but you can update a light fixture to keep your kitchen current. Stay on trend by using mixed metals, like those shown in this kitchen, or add boho warmth with a textured fixture, like this Cachae Round Pendant Light. $325 at luluandgeorgia.com

think S M A R T

Turn your lights on and off (or brighten them) with voice command. You don’t need a hub to tap into the technology of smart bulbs like Philips Hue, which install in minutes and work with Alexa or Google Assistant. Or step up to a lighting system like Noon, which installs like a switch and creates lighting scenes (bright for work, dim for dining) without the complexity or cost of a whole-house smart lighting system.