Good lighting schemes use the idea of ​​”light layers”—general, ambient, and task lighting—to create a cohesive and productive lighting design. Of these three layers of light, task lighting is the essential light for any work-related activity, from reading and doing homework to chopping vegetables in the kitchen.

The best location for task lighting in any room is between the head and the work surface. Lighting in the center of the ceiling and directly above your head is a bad idea because your head will cast a shadow on your work surface.

Another common issue when considering task lighting is the issue of “foil reflection.” This is lighting from above and directly in front of you, causing a dazzling reflection of your glossy magazine or high-gloss granite countertop.

The solution here is the placement of a light source that enters from one or both sides of the viewing angle. Light from the sides rather than directly from above directs the glare from your eyes better.

When it comes to task lighting, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home. Kitchens are not just the gathering place for the modern family; that’s where everything gets done, even the task mentioned above!

If I had to emphasize the two most necessary design elements for lighting in the kitchen, they would be: 1) Under cabinet lighting (this goes back to the placement of lighting between the head and the idea of ​​the work surface) and 2) ) Halogen spotlights and pendants.

Under cabinet lighting is an important “layer” in the kitchen lighting scheme. This type of lighting provides an even layer of illumination across the countertop without shadows or reflections. A common and easy way to provide this type is the use of linear light strips mounted on the back of the cabinet bottom.

These fluorescent light sources are a good option: they can be left on all the time, as they have a very long life, produce almost no heat, are very low in cost, and very energy efficient.

The halogen spotlights and pendants mentioned come from my personal favorite “design element” as well as a great solution for task lighting: low voltage flexible track lighting. This type of contemporary “lighting system” is very low profile, highly efficient and is available in almost any color or finish to suit any kitchen design, traditional or modern. They can be ordered in striking colors and finishes, or to match kitchen hardware in chrome, nickel-plated or even more rustic finishes. It is literally “flexible” and can be installed in any flowing or geometric shape.

In a nutshell, ‘low voltage’ means that the standard electrical voltage of 120 volts is reduced to around 12 volts using a remote ‘transformer’. This low voltage track primarily uses halogen fixtures which are available in many unique and beautiful shapes, sizes and materials. Spotlights with colored glass diffusers that hold halogen bulbs with a variety of available beam spread are also available.

Pair it with pendant lamps that hang decoratively and purposefully above your kitchen island (for example, in trendy red or blue hand-blown Murano glass) while providing clean halogen light on your stove or prep area . All of these types of fixtures are hung or mounted from a long, continuous “track.” By strategically placing all of these light sources where they’re needed most, you’ll find they’re working hard for you while looking great like all task lighting should be.