How to Plan Lighting for a New Kitchen or Bathroom Renovation (NZ Guide)
Your Complete NZ Home Renovation Lighting Guide — With Waterproofing, Placement, and Compliance Explained Clearly
Light Up Your Renovation the Right Way
Planning a new kitchen or bathroom renovation in Nelson? Lighting is one of the most important choices you’ll make — yet it’s often the first thing homeowners rush, overlook, or leave until the last minute. The result? Dark corners, unsafe wiring, blown budgets, and lights that simply don’t work the way you hoped.
But here’s the good news:
When you understand waterproofing, placement, and NZ electrical compliance from the start, your new space feels brighter, safer, and far more enjoyable to use.
And that’s exactly what this guide will help you with.
At Mako Electrical, we support homeowners across the Nelson Tasman region with safe, stylish, and compliant kitchen and bathroom electrical upgrades. With years of residential experience across renovations of every size, we’ve seen what works — and what can cause major headaches later.
This guide breaks everything down simply, so your renovation lighting plan is smart, safe, and future-proof.
Why Lighting Matters More Than You Think
Most people think lighting is only about choosing pretty fittings. But in kitchens and bathrooms, lighting affects:
How safe your space is
How clearly you can see when cooking, cleaning, or getting ready
Your energy use
Your home’s value
How modern your renovation feels
These are the two rooms where you use lighting the most, so planning early makes every day easier.
Kitchens: Your main workspace needs the right light
Cooking, food prep, cleaning, reading recipes — all need good, even lighting. If your benchtop shadows your hands or your stove sits in the dark, the space becomes frustrating very quickly.
Bathrooms: Moisture, water, and electricity don’t mix
Bathrooms are high-risk electrical zones. Every light needs proper waterproofing, correct placement, and full compliance with New Zealand electrical safety standards.
This is why you should never install bathroom or kitchen lighting without a licensed electrician.
(If you need one, Mako Electrical offers complete renovation electrical work for Nelson Tasman.
The Lighting Plan That Makes Your Renovation Safer, Brighter & Fully Compliant
Here’s where we turn inspiration into a real plan. Below is everything you need to think about — simplified so you don’t miss any critical safety steps.
1. Waterproofing: What Homeowners Must Know (Bathroom & Kitchen)
Bathrooms and some kitchen areas require IP-rated lights. “IP” means “Ingress Protection” — how well a fitting keeps out water and moisture.
In bathrooms, this is essential.
For example:
Lights close to showers or baths need higher IP ratings.
The closer a fitting is to water, the greater the risk — so compliance becomes stricter.
Some areas (called zones) only allow certain types of lights.
A compliant bathroom lighting plan is not guesswork. It requires:
Correct IP rating
Correct distance from water
Correct installation method
Proper sealed fittings
A licensed electrician understands these zones and ensures you meet NZ standards safely.
Kitchen Waterproofing Matters Too
While not as wet as bathrooms, kitchen lights above:
sinks
splash zones
food prep areas
may also require moisture-resistant fittings, especially in older homes where steam and ventilation are issues.
If you’re renovating in Nelson and want a safe, moisture-ready electrical plan, Mako Electrical offers full residential services.
2. Placement: The Secret to a Well-Lit, Easy-to-Use Space
Lighting placement can make or break your renovation.
Kitchen Lighting Placement Tips
Think about these 3 layers:
1. General Lighting
This is your main room light — usually recessed downlights. They should be spaced evenly to avoid shadows.
2. Task Lighting
This is the most important layer in kitchen design.
You need bright, shadow-free light over:
benchtops
cooking areas
sinks
islands
Under-cabinet lighting is ideal here. It makes food prep safer and easier.
3. Ambient or Feature Lighting
Pendants above an island, LED strip lights under shelves, or soft lighting inside display cabinets adds style and makes your renovation feel complete.
Bathroom Lighting Placement Tips
Bathrooms need calming light, but also practical brightness.
General Lighting
Recessed LED lights provide even brightness without glare.
Task Lighting
Lights around the mirror help with shaving, makeup, and daily routines. Avoid placing ceiling lights directly above your face — this creates unwanted shadows.
Accent Lighting
Soft LED strip lights under vanities create a modern hotel-style feel and help with night-time visibility.
Need help designing?
You can reach the Mako Electrical team here.
3. Compliance: NZ Electrical Rules You Must Follow
Here’s the part most homeowners don’t know — but must get right.
Kitchens and bathrooms are classified as “special electrical zones.”
This means:
You cannot install lighting yourself.
Only a licensed electrician can legally complete the work.
All fittings must meet NZ standards.
Lights must be suitable for the zone they’re placed in.
Wiring must meet modern safety regulations.
In short: If it’s near water, it requires professional installation.
Mako Electrical specialises in safe, compliant electrical work for renovations across Nelson Tasman. Learn more here:
4. Choosing the Right Lights: Simple Tips for Homeowners
You don’t need to be an expert — you only need to know what to look for.
Consider LED Lighting for Everything
It’s brighter, cooler, safer, and cheaper to run.
Check IP Ratings in Bathrooms
Your electrician will guide you, but never choose low-IP lights near water.
Pick Neutral White for Kitchens
It keeps food colours true and helps with visibility.
Warm White Works Well in Bathrooms
It makes the space feel relaxing while still bright.
Ask for Dimmers
They give morning and evening flexibility.
Future-proof with Smart Lighting
Apps, sensors, and timers can make life easier and reduce energy bills.
5. When Should You Call an Electrician?
If you’re renovating, call an electrician before you choose tiles, cabinets, or fittings.
Electrical work often needs to happen early — usually before your builder closes the walls.
A licensed electrician helps you:
Plan proper lighting placement
Choose safe, compliant fittings
Avoid rework or damage
Save money by doing it right the first time
Need help with electrical upgrades for your kitchen or bathroom in Nelson?
Mako Electrical is here.
Ready to Plan Your Renovation Lighting? Let Mako Electrical Help
Great lighting turns your renovation into a space that feels safe, bright, and enjoyable every day. Poor lighting causes frustration, shadows, safety risks, and expensive repairs.
If you're planning kitchen and bathroom electrical upgrades in Nelson, now is the perfect time to talk to a licensed local electrician.
Mako Electrical offers:
Full renovation electrical work
Waterproof, safe, and compliant lighting installation
Custom lighting design
Switchboard upgrades
Emergency electrical services
Local Nelson Tasman experience
Get expert help before the walls go up.
Contact Mako Electrical today.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Bathrooms need IP-rated lights suitable for wet areas. LED recessed lights or sealed fittings are safest and most compliant with NZ regulations.
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Some areas near sinks and splash zones benefit from moisture-resistant fixtures. Your electrician will advise based on NZ safety standards.
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No. Bathroom lighting must be installed by a licensed electrician due to strict electrical safety zones.
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Aim for a mix of general lighting, task lighting over benchtops, and ambient lighting above islands or shelves.
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Ideally, before cabinetry, plumbing, and tiling begin. Electrical wiring is one of the first steps in renovation sequencing.
