A well-lit kitchen blends four different types of light 
(03/09/2008)
Kitchens are multifunctional spaces, and a flexible lighting system is needed. The kitchen can also use a lot of energy for lighting so it is important to use efficient lighting.
A well-lit kitchen layers and blends four different types of light. Every kitchen should include the following:
1. Task lighting. It is vital to provide enough illumination for tasks like preparing food. Task lighting should be placed in front of you so that you dont create a shadow over your work. Under-cabinet lights provide good visibility and also fit neatly into the undersides of cupboard. Other task lighting includes ceiling-mounted spotlights which can be pointed at any area and are often used over island units.
2. Ambient lighting. This kind of lighting creates a warm glow that fills a room, softens shadows and provides an inviting ambience.
3. Accent lighting. It adds excitement by creating visual interest. Examples include fixtures positioned inside glass-front cabinets to illuminate glassware etc.
4. Decorative lighting. This kind of lighting adds sparkle to a home and includes lamps, chandeliers and pendants.
National Lighting Store Manager Michele Lynch has some tips to get the most out of your kitchen lighting:
Use energy saving bulbs. Only 5 per cent of the energy that goes into an incandescent bulb comes out as light the rest becomes heat.
Rather than brightly lighting an entire room, use task lighting to focus the light where you need it.
Regularly clean lamps as dust can block up to 50 per cent of light output.
Consider installing a lighting control system which automatically turns off lights.
Remember that whatever you go for, you need to plan it early on as the wiring needs to go in before the kitchen, and switch placement needs to be decided on and incorporated into the kitchen design.
The fashion for pendants shows no sign of fading. Hanging pendants provide great general lighting and can form the centrepiece of your kitchen. Hanging them at different heights creates depth and dimension.
Flos Fuscia Pendant
The Fuscia range of pendants from Flos is elegant and sophisticated. It features hand blown glass conical diffusers with sandblasted edge and a gloss white powder-coated steel body. It is designed by lighting icon Achille Castiglioni. The Fuscia pendants look superb grouped together with three in a row over a table or breakfast bar. Whats great news is that the National Lighting 25% off sale is now running until the end of August. This Flos Fuscia pendant was priced at 258.94 but now costs 194.20.
Flos Miss K Pendants
The Miss K range of pendants, designed by Philippe Starck enhances any space with their elegant good looks. The pendant has a transparent body and provides diffused light. For the ultimate effect group the pendants in clusters over a breakfast bar. The Miss K pendant was 333.96 but now costs 250.46.
Lucente Amber Pinko Pendant
These pendants produce a soft diffused light and help create a warm and inviting ambience.
The Pinko pendant is made from a brushed nickel metal structure.
It works well as a single fitting highlighting a feature area or by grouping two or three pendants together over a table or breakfast bar.
They are currently retailing at 154.16 from National Lighting stores.
Blauet Pausa Suspensione Pendant
This pendant from Spanish designer Blauet is sleek and elegant thanks to its elongated design. With a flawless satin nickel finish, it compliments any contemporary home. It is also energy efficient taking energy saving fluorescent lamps. It was priced at 752 but is now available at 526.41.
Blauet products are available exclusively from National Lighting stores.
Related categories: Lamps Lighting control system Luminaires Residential
