Drew Barrymore illuminates her kitchen in the most unconventional way I've ever seen – I never thought of following her example, until now

Drew uses bronze picture lighting above hanging wall art in her kitchen, in a move that is stylish and unique for the space

Drew Barrymore in a chic kitchen holding a Beautiful Pan filld with vegetables
(Image credit: Beautiful by Drew Barrymore)

When you think kitchen lighting, you probably imagine pendant lights or perhaps sconces. However, after seeing a clip of Drew Barrymore in her kitchen recently, we are considering picture lights as a possible kitchen lighting option.

This unexpected addition to the TV show host's kitchen works wonders on top of her framed, hanging artwork – needless to say, it's giving us some kitchen lighting ideas.

While the picture light is certainly serving its function by illuminating a painting, its location in the kitchen is the twist: typically, we see picture lights in dining rooms, bedrooms, and home librairies, and its addition to the kitchen is delightfully surprising.

According to experts, introudcing accent lighting into a space is a fantastic way to highlight or accentuate any display features that you really want to stand out.

'Accent lighting highlights specific areas or objects, such as artwork, plants, or architectural details,' designer Nina Lichtenstein explains. 'Picture lights, uplights, and even well-placed spotlights can direct attention to these focal points, adding drama and sophistication. These subtle touches bring a space to life without overwhelming it with brightness.'

In a kitchen specifically, those of us who don't have art hanging can definitely introduce plants for some greenery, or use accent lights to highlight artisanal details in the space.

The antiquated bronze picture light that Drew has also gives her kitchen a traditional, historic feel, while the metallic sheen still makes the space feel luxe and elevated. Whether you choose a bronze or silver picture light or even a sconce, using alternative lighting in the kitchen is a great way to make your kitchen stand out.

'When it comes to creating a beautifully lit atmosphere indoors, alternative lighting solutions are key to achieving a warm, inviting space without relying solely on overhead lights,' Nina explains. 'While chandeliers and pendant lights often steal the spotlight, layering light from multiple sources can make a room feel more dynamic, comfortable, and well-designed.'


Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.

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