Tips for Lighting your Kitchen

There are three basic types of lighting. Ambient or general lighting, which provides a soft wash that illuminates a large space; task lighting, which provides illumination to accomplish specific tasks (lights that shines directly on counter tops,) and accent lighting, which focuses light on a specific object or area for aesthetic rather than task oriented purposes.

Planning a combination of these types of lighting is key to kitchen design. Different fixture types each serve a different purpose, so don't go by looks alone. A pendent light hanging low over the table creates an intimate mood for dining. Spotlights or slim fluorescent tubes can be concealed on the underside of wall cabinets, while most cooker hoods are supplied with in built lighting.

Track lights, for example, usually cast defined beams of light. They are great for accenting the center of an island or highlighting collectibles on a display shelf. Track lighting is a good solution when there is not enough space behind the ceiling to install ceiling-recessed down lights. Track lights, however, usually do not provide adequate general lighting.Decorative task lighting is a great way to provide light over an island. Lighting controls can be installed to change light levels to suit the tasks at hand.

Lighting affects not only your ability to perform tasks but your mood and the way the objects and materials in the kitchen are perceived.With new technological advancement you can specifically choose how much light you want in each area.You can for a 3D view of your room.The calculation of lighting is done as per physics and so you know exactly know how much light you need and of course the design that will gel with your Kitchen.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIXTURES

• Down lights, which are also known as "cans," these are circular, ceiling recessed cylinders with reflector systems that are equipped with incandescent PAR lamp, halogen's, or compact fluorescent.
• Ceiling - mounted fixtures are mounted onto the ceiling and usually have an acrylic or glass diffusers.
• Ceiling - recessed fixtures are mounted flush with the ceiling and can have a lens or diffuser that controls the light.
• Track lighting consists of track heads that include the light source mounted onto wire or metal tracks.
• Pendant fixtures or chandeliers are suspended on wires down from the ceiling. These are usually used over islands and eating areas and provida a decorative touch.
• Sources are wall - mounted fixtures that can be equipped with a variety of sources. They provide ambient or general illumination.