Proper lighting is a necessity,not just because it enables you to see unencumbered but because it lends texture to spaces. High activity rooms like kitchens need even more attention. If yours needs help,read these tips to know how to create a well-illuminated space that also looks super stylish.
    

Brighten workstations

Workstations like prep zones,cooking and washing areas should be lit using task lighting and ambient light. It's all too easy to miss corners when cleaning or to accidentally cut yourself when slicing foodstuff because of insufficient light.

Pendant lights focus light directly onto certain areas. They can be highly decorative too. Spotlights are ideal if you prefer the industrial/contemporary look. Track lighting is another option. You can choose any type of light fixture for task lighting as long as it illuminates well. Ambient light can be in the form of recessed lighting. This neat fixture design lets you adorn the kitchen with different lamp designs,be it pendant lights,chandeliers or wall lamps.

Install under-cabinet lights

Add even more illumination with under-cabinet lights so countertops are devoid of shadows. Functional and very stylish,your kitchen will be given an instant designer feel. Incandescent bulbs can be used though halogen is cheaper.

Under-cabinet lights also act as task lights. If you have cabinets situated not too far above countertops but extending a good length a ways,use these handy fixtures as spotlights. You'll still need additional lighting but only as ambient light.

Consider in-cabinet lighting

In-cabinet lights are not installed very often but they should be. They're highly functional and serve as perfect accent lights. Nestled inside glass cabinets,they add more texture to kitchens and draw the eye to interesting cabinetry elements. What's great is that very low wattage lamps can be used so  power bills are hardly affected.

Layers and more layers

Think of lighting as layers where each type adds to the overall function and effect. Ambient light is overall lighting that sets the mood and removes the harshness of task lighting. Task or spot lights are specifically designed to illuminate workspaces. They can also be used to highlight certain areas or to increase the brightness of the room. However,because they're bright and stand out,they should ideally be concentrated in areas in need of extra illumination. Otherwise the space will look excessively bright and over illuminated.

The third type of lighting – accent light – is decorative. You can choose to do away with it but it adds a nice touch to overall design. As mentioned,you can use in-cabinet lights to draw attention to interesting cabinetry designs. You can also install edge lighting on the ceiling. This is a great way to shift attention to stylish elements like chandeliers and beautifully designed crown molding. A third option is to have LED accents on kitchen islands.

Frequently check the overall effect of your lighting plan during the course of installation. Turn on every layer and every lamp. The result should highlight key elements and important spaces in the room without seeming showy or tacky. Ambient light must hit most areas of the room and task lighting should highlight workspaces. Accent light should only add texture or an interesting dimension.

Consult with lighting experts to get the best results. They can recommend fixtures to suit interior design and lamps that are energy-friendly.