Kitchen Lighting That Works as Hard as You Do
Recessed, pendant, and under-cabinet — John Tidwell and Sons designs layered kitchen lighting plans that eliminate shadows, highlight your finishes, and make cooking a pleasure.
Winder, GA
Three Layers, Zero Shadows
Great kitchen lighting is not a single fixture in the middle of the ceiling. It is three layers working together: ambient light for general visibility, task light over work zones, and accent light to showcase backsplashes, open shelving, and architectural details. We design and install all three layers as part of every kitchen remodel.
We already help homeowners with under-cabinet lighting in basement kitchens and basement lighting solutions. We bring that same expertise to every kitchen we touch. Back to our main kitchen remodeling page.
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Clean Lines, Even Coverage
Recessed cans are the backbone of a modern kitchen lighting plan. We install 4-inch and 6-inch IC-rated housings on standard spacing to deliver even ambient light without cluttering the ceiling. All of our recessed installations use LED retrofit modules with dimmer-compatible drivers so you can adjust brightness from full daylight to a soft evening glow.
"Fantastic crew. On-time, knowledgeable, masters of their craft, and they clean up continuously."
See our profileStatement Fixtures Over the Island
Pendants define the personality of a kitchen. We help you select fixtures that complement your cabinet finish and countertop material, then install them at the correct height — typically 30 to 36 inches above the island surface — with proper spacing so the light overlaps without creating hot spots. We wire all pendants to a separate switch or dimmer for independent control.
"Great communication, excellent attention to detail, fair pricing, made sure the job was done in a timely manner. Would highly recommend."
See our profileWe size and space pendants based on your island dimensions so the proportions feel right and the light actually reaches the work surface.
Task Light Where You Need It Most
Under-cabinet LEDs eliminate the shadow that your upper cabinets cast on the countertop — exactly where you chop, measure, and plate food. We install continuous LED strips with warm-white temperature and hardwired connections so there are no visible cords or battery packs. This is one of our most requested upgrades, and we have written extensively about why under-cabinet lighting is a worthwhile investment.
"They did an excellent job! They were professional, trustworthy, came on time, and did all work as agreed. I would recommend them for any job big or small. 5 STARS!"
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Designed Around Your Kitchen, Not a Template
We do not drop recessed cans on an even grid and call it done. Every lighting layout starts with your kitchen footprint — where the island is, where the stove sits, where you stand when you prep. We position each fixture to eliminate shadows on work surfaces, avoid glare on screens or seating areas, and balance brightness across the room. Dimmer circuits on separate zones let you shift from bright task mode to ambient dinner lighting with a single switch.
"John Tidwell & Sons did a wonderful job finishing my basement. John was very knowledgeable. They did everything - floors, ceilings, soffits, walls, sheetrock, framing, insulation, electrical, and painting. I couldn't be happier."
See our profileKitchen Lighting FAQ
We recommend 2700K to 3000K for most kitchens — warm enough to feel inviting but bright enough for food prep. Under-cabinet lights at 3000K pair well with 2700K ambient fixtures for a natural-looking layered effect.
It depends on your kitchen size and ceiling height. A general guideline is one 6-inch can per 25 to 30 square feet of floor space, but we adjust based on where your work zones are. We will calculate the right count and spacing during your estimate.
In many cases, yes. We use low-profile LED wafer lights that require only a small hole — no recessed housing needed. For under-cabinet lighting, we run wiring through the cabinet backs to avoid disturbing drywall.
They do not have to match exactly, but they should complement. We typically recommend pendants in a finish that echoes your cabinet hardware — brushed nickel with brushed nickel, matte black with matte black. Mixing finishes can work too, but it takes a deliberate eye.
Yes, and we strongly recommend them for every kitchen zone. Dimmers let you adjust from full brightness for cooking to a soft glow for entertaining. We install Decora-style dimmers that work with LED fixtures without buzzing or flickering.
Related Kitchen Pages
Kitchen Cabinets
Custom, refacing, and refinishing — the surface your under-cabinet lights highlight.
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Get Started in Three Steps
Better lighting is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make — and one of the fastest to install. Let us design a plan for your kitchen.
Call or Request a Quote
Reach us at (404) 202-4796 or submit our online form.
Free Lighting Consultation
We assess your kitchen, map the layout, and recommend fixtures and placement.
Installation Day
Our electricians handle wiring, mounting, and dimmer setup — with zero exposed wires.