In their newly renovated New York apartment, Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott have created a kitchen atmosphere that’s both whimsical and deeply inviting. Their secret? A unique lighting approach that avoids recessed lights entirely, instead featuring vintage-inspired fixtures that add personality and warmth.
- No recessed lighting—only vintage-style lanterns and sconces
- Layered lights create warmth and personality in the kitchen
- Trend toward statement fixtures over practical recessed lights
What happened
Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott recently shared how they designed the lighting of their Manhattan kitchen, turning away from common recessed ceiling lights. Instead, their kitchen features a variety of vintage-inspired fixtures such as lanterns, sconces, chandeliers, and lamps chosen for their sculptural qualities and warm glow. This approach aligns with their whimsical and charming aesthetic, particularly evident in their baby blue kitchen.
Their designer, Young Huh, helped bring this vision to life, focusing on warm, inviting illumination rather than bland or overly practical lighting. The couple humorously refer to recessed lighting as a "swear word" in their home, underscoring their commitment to characterful lighting solutions that make the space feel magical and moody.
Why it feels good
The lighting scheme creates a welcoming and cozy atmosphere that encourages spending time in the kitchen, a vital area in many homes. By layering lights of varying heights and styles, Zooey and Jonathan ensure the space feels well-lit for different activities while also showcasing unique design elements with each fixture.
Experts note that this trend reflects a broader move away from purely practical lighting solutions toward lights that act as 'jewelry pieces'—decorative items that elevate the room’s ambiance and showcase personality. This careful balance of style and function brings Hollywood-level lighting magic into everyday living.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those inspired by Zooey and Jonathan’s lighting choices, exploring vintage-style lanterns and sconces with brass or textured glass elements can be a beautiful place to start. These fixtures add timeless elegance whether in a city apartment or cozy country kitchen. Homes & Gardens offers curated selections that echo their aesthetic, blending heritage charm with modern reliability.
Design expert Helen Pett advises considering varied lighting sources to create a warm, layered effect and recommends statement pieces like chandeliers or decorative pendants to act as focal points. Keeping lighting levels adaptable allows homeowners to tailor the mood for cooking, dining, or relaxing, bringing that bit of movie magic into everyday life.