Sophia Tran – Sustainable Living & Lighting Design Expert

Author:  Sophia Tran When it comes to lighting your kitchen, function and form go hand-in-hand. While modern LEDs and stylish pendants dominate today’s design trends, the round fluorescent kitchen light continues to be a reliable and affordable choice for many households. Known for its even illumination and distinctive shape, this classic fixture is often found in mid-century homes, apartment kitchens, and utility-focused spaces. In this article, we’ll explore the features, advantages, limitations, and possible upgrades related to round fluorescent kitchen lights—helping you decide whether to keep, replace, or modernize yours. What Is a Round Fluorescent Kitchen Light? A round fluorescent kitchen light, often referred to as a ""circline"" fixture, uses a circular fluorescent tube (commonly called a T9 tube). These lights are designed to sit flush against the ceiling and provide bright, widespread illumination in a compact form. You’ll usually find them in kitchens, ...

Author:  Sophia Tran If you're tired of dull, flickering fluorescent lights in your kitchen, you're not alone. More homeowners are choosing to modernize their kitchen lighting with efficient and stylish alternatives. The good news is that kitchen fluorescent light conversion is easier than you might think—and it can significantly improve both your kitchen’s function and appearance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about converting fluorescent lights to LED, the benefits, the different methods available, and how to do it safely. Why Convert Fluorescent Lights to LED? Fluorescent lights have served kitchens well for decades, but they come with several drawbacks that modern LED technology easily solves. Here’s why many homeowners are switching: Energy Efficiency:  LEDs use up to 80% less energy than fluorescents, reducing your electricity bills. Longer Lifespan:  A typical LED bulb lasts 25,000 to 50,000 hours compared to around 7,000 for flu...

Sophia Tran is a lighting designer and sustainable interiors expert who has spent the past 11 years working at the intersection of ecological responsibility and architectural beauty. Holding a Master’s in Environmental Design from Oregon State University, Sophia began her career with an international design firm specializing in LEED-certified multi-unit housing. She later transitioned into residential consulting to focus on sustainable systems at the home scale. Sophia’s specialty lies in lighting ecosystems: how homes can reduc e energy waste while improving lighting quality through intentional fixture design, orientation, and usage. She is an early advocate of daylight harvesting—the method of optimizing natural light for visual comfort and electricity reduction—and has designed systems that reduce lighting energy usage by up to 48% in retrofit homes. Her deep familiarity with international green standards, including LEED v4.1, WELL Building Standard, and Living Building Challenge, e...