The best approach for just about any kitchen is using a combination of task lighting and general illumination. Task lighting is important over the sink and stove and around counter work areas. The floor and eating area need general lighting.
Task lighting fixtures should be placed above and in front of the task area
to eliminate shadows from the body on the work surface. For example, under-cabinet
fixtures work well for lighting countertop work areas. Popular fixtures used
here are low-voltage incandescent strips and low-profile fluorescent fixtures.
The cabinets should hide the fixture well enough to prevent visibility by those
seated nearby.
Most stoves have an exhaust hood with an incandescent task lamp to illuminate the cooking surface. The sink area needs a fluorescent soft-or valence-type fixture or recessed incandescent flood fixtures. Center islands need task lighting either by a fluorescent ceiling fixture, down lights or pendant-type fixtures.
Provide general lighting for the kitchen with ceiling-mounted fluorescent or incandescent fixtures.
Track, recessed or suspended fixtures can also be used. The new compact fluorescent lamps have color rendition nearly equal to incandescent and will fit in most fixtures.
