Kitchen tasks include reading the fine print in recipes, cutting vegetables, cooking, washing dishes, and even entertaining. All of these tasks require plenty of light with good color rendition.

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

Place task lighting fixtures 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. Be sure the cabinets 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 soffit, or valence-type fixture, or recessed incandescent flood fixtures. Center islands need task lighting either by a fluorescent ceiling fixture, downlights, 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 incandescents and will fit in most fixtures.