Instead of Boring Recessed Lighting, Chic People, Including Miley Cyrus, Use These Statement Fixtures in Their Kitchen
The most efficient (and beautiful) kitchen lighting breaks design conventions – and Miley's monochromatic space is the perfect blueprint
Until you see a kitchen like Miley Cyrus's, the importance of kitchen lighting can easily go overlooked. In many new kitchens, recessed lighting is the norm, and while there's nothing necessarily wrong with these fixtures, they do risk feeling uninspired (and, in some cases, less functional than pendant alternatives). This is where the art of task lighting comes into play, and Miley's kitchen is one of the finest examples.
Designed by her mother, Tish Cyrus, Miley's kitchen makes a case for monochromatic spaces – proving that a black-and-white color palette doesn't need to feel dull or uninspired. While her zebra-printed chairs (much like these from Wayfair) make a statement that's hard to overlook, her strategic kitchen lighting is similarly crucial to the space's sucsess.
Rather than opting for recessed lighting, Miley has placed two stunning pendant lights above her kitchen island – focusing the light exactly where she needs it the most. In illuminating specific zones, rather than her whole room, she is improving the kitchen's overall ambiance, especially when the sun goes down. And she's making a design statement in the process.
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Drawing inspiration from classic utility silhouettes, this pendant is defined by its refined, functional forms and contrasting metal hardware. Each shade comes in a range of sizes, blending industrial heritage with a polished, design-forward sensibility
This stunning piece appears to be an exact match to those hanging above Miley's island. The light is softened through a micro-pyramid textured glass, creating a refined, diffused glow that feels both modern and atmospheric.
This pendant light features a premium white linen shade, a brushed nickel frame, and an acrylic diffuser that casts a soft, glare-free glow. Perfect for hanging above a kitchen island, it provides stylish task lighting while adding a minimalist elegance that Miley would surely love.
Dine in comfort and style with this ultra-cushy accent chair. Perfectly paired with a white circular table, it creates a chic, inviting look inspired by Miley Cyrus’s kitchen.
For banquette seating, these zebra print cushions offer an easy way to create a bold, design-forward statement reminiscent of Miley Cyrus’s style. They pair beautifully with a colorful piece of furniture for a striking, curated look.
If you love Miley's animal print look but aren’t ready to commit, these affordable cushion covers are the perfect solution. Simply place them over your existing chairs for an instant, bold update.
Mara Rypacek Miller, the founder of Industville, agrees. 'Like a statement necklace anchoring an outfit, lighting in kitchens is being styled as the jewelry of the room with pendants above kitchen islands or dining tables serving as bold, eye-catching centrepieces, adding a sense of balance and ambience to mealtimes and social gatherings,' she says.
While there's never a bad time to follow Miley's lead and experiment with statement task lighting, Mara explains that such pieces are particularly fashionable this year.
'Reflecting a seamless dialogue between past and present, the designs of 2026 are seeing the raw, industrial spirit of early 20th-century design reimagined through a modern, refined lens. Influenced by the bold geometry and ornamental glamour of Art Deco, as well as the clean, functional lines of mid-century modernism, kitchen lighting is embracing a revival in both form and material,' Mara says.
'Chandeliers, sconces, and sculptural statement pieces reinterpret vintage silhouettes with updated proportions, simplified lines, and elevated detailing. High-shine finishes are giving way to more tactile, nuanced treatments like softly patinated brass, bronze, and richly textured metals that lend warmth, depth, and a handcrafted quality. They cleverly cast pools of golden hues around the room, adding a touch of luxury to kitchens.'
Whether you’re channeling your inner Miley or simply craving a kitchen that’s as functional as it is stylish, statement task lighting is where form meets function. A few well-placed pendants can transform your space, creating zones of warmth, drama, and visual intrigue – all while making your kitchen feel instantly more ambient.
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