Ambient kitchen lighting. Task lighting. Accent lighting. Surface track lighting. Recessed lighting. Under cabinet lighting. Above cabinet lighting.
We have come full circle. There was a time when the kitchen was the place where the family would congregate as it used to be the only room where it was nice and warm especially during the cold winter months. When homes got bigger we added finished basements, recreational rooms, den's etc. and family activities took place in rooms other than the kitchen. In many newer homes the kitchen has once again become one of most used parts of the house. Not only are meals prepared here but it is also a place to relax, to talk to friends who just popped in for a brief visit, to check the mail, read the newspaper, for the kids to do their homework or to use the family computer.
With so much activity going on it is important to have good lighting and above all, in the right places. One single type of lighting just will not do, so let's have a brief look at some of the options you have for creating ambient and task lighting to help you work more efficiently. When done right you have created an atmosphere that says "this is home".

AMBIENT KITCHEN LIGHTING
Kitchens are used from early in the morning till late at night. During the day there may be enough natural ambient light provided by windows and skylights but at all other times we have to rely on lights.
Ambient kitchen lights are in general lights that fill in shadows, reduces contrast and light up not only horizontal but also vertical surfaces. Ambient light is what you need for casual activities. To achieve this we can use a combination of track or accent lighting, under and above cabinet lighting and pot lights. Fluorescent lights, strategically placed, can provide broad and even illumination and on top of that they do not create heat and are energy efficient.