The art of good kitchen lighting is to create a balance between effective working light and soft mood lighting.
Kitchens are such multi-functional spaces today that different levels of light are required to achieve a harmonious balance between being able to prepare and serve food and have a calming, welcoming light when dining. This is particularly the case in most new homes where the division between kitchen and dining is blurred.
As well as good lighting for food preparation – usually recessed spotlights or track – the ability to have concealed or niche lighting is just as important any available opportunity to conceal light should be considered. Such background light may not appear important, but is a critical factor in making a kitchen space interesting to the eye. Areas to consider where background light may be used include the obvious under-cabinet light and the less obvious – continuous LED under-plinth lighting, lighting above kitchen cabinets (to reflect light off the ceiling) and niche lighting where possible (great for lighting cookery books and decorative kitchen objects).
Lighting over kitchen islands is also a must if it is practical. Instead of the obvious single light over the island, consider a cluster of three smaller light fittings to accentuate and enhance this favoured spot.
One last factor to remember – just as important as the different types of light is to make sure each effect is switched separately because each light is doing a different job.