Kitchen lighting solutions

Practical areas need careful planning in order to strike a balance between task lighting for specific areas and ambient lighting for background atmosphere. For kitchens with high ceiling, use ceiling lights to accent the dramatic line of the roof. Bell-shaped pendant lights provide good ambient light, as well as focusing their beam on key areas such as work surfaces. Low-voltage halogen spotlights, hidden behind beams and among shelves, help to vary the levels, supplement task lighting and pick out ceramic tiles and other decorating features.

Balance the practicality of task lighting by positioning it to accent architectural features or interesting displays.

Streamlined fixed lighting is a safe, practical option. Freestanding lamps are potentially dangerous and take up space.

A line of small, adjustable ceiling-mounted spotlights can be positioned to provide several areas of task lighting.

Strip lights are a functional choice for illuminating work surfaces but not aesthetically appealing, so conceal them beneath wall-mounted cabinets.

Use reflective surfaces such as steel and aluminium to bounce light back into the room and add contrasting levels of gleam.

Fit dimmable low-voltage halogen spotlights above the cooker and into open shelves, to provide flexible, discreet lighting where space is at a premium. They create a flattering background glow rather than a blanket wash, and if you choose swivel fittings they can also be angled to highlight specific areas.

The kitchen is an important all-day area, so make the most of natural light by keeping windows clear of fussy curtains and fitting walls with simple open shelves.