We all want to shed light on the areas of our homes that matter most. And in spaces where you spend the majority of your time, considering custom details that you're truly passionate about can transform the look—and feel—of the space. Your kitchen is where you cook delicious meals, gather with friends and family, and, for many, serves a central hub. While a run-of-the-mill pendant light may do the trick, a truly special—and modern—piece can elevate a workman-like space almost instantly.

EXPOSED WIRE PENDANTS

An industrial feel graces this Delphine Krakoff-designed Miami kitchen thanks to pendant lights with hanging wires and a matte black finish.

POLISHED CAGE LIGHTS

Oversized caged pendants in a polished silver finish tie together this Miami kitchen while providing a generous amount of light.

POLISHED CAGE LIGHTS

Oversized caged pendants in a polished silver finish tie together this Miami kitchen while providing a generous amount of light.

DANDELION CHANDELIERS

This art aficionado's museum mile kitchen is enlivened by dandelion chandeliers by Tony Duquette, which offer a playful touch in the classic yet modern space.

SLEEK STEEL FIXTURES

In a contemporary Lincoln Park kitchen, materiality is center stage with sleek steel light fixtures that give the space one of its many layers of texture.

OPAL GLASS AND VINTAGE BRASS

In Martyn Lawrence Bullard's jewel-toned California kitchen, striking brass pendants by Bullard for Corbett Lighting provide a luxe contrast to the space's rich green hues.

GLOBULAR PLASTER PENDANT

An antique black-plaster pendant light offers a modern appeal amidst the retro black-and-white design of this Paris kitchen.

MIX OF OLD AND NEW

A kitchen ceiling clad in glass tiles is accented by eight circa-1930 C.F. Otto Müller ceiling lights and grounded with a pendant designed by Steven Gambrel for the Urban Electric Co.

INDUSTRIAL BULB

Subtle yet packed with personality, this kitchen by Stefani Stein Inc. features an industrial-style bulb pendant that makes the case for understated design.

REFINED RUSTIC

In Chrissie Rucker's Buckinghamshire pool house, the rustic kitchen is layered with texture, illuminated by glass pendant hood lights hung from bronze poles.

MODERN LAMPSHADES

Contemporary lampshade-style lights hang above a kitchen island in this prewar apartment designed by Lilly Bunn.