“In addition to general lighting, task lighting should be provided for every functional area in the kitchen.”—National Kitchen & Bath Association
When it comes to kitchen lighting, recessed lighting provides a critical element and is the most multipurpose lighting source for your home. When using recessed lights in the kitchen, take time to plan the layout; it is time well-spent. The layout must consider cabinet position, task area, as well as the general lighting in your space. There are two main components to recessed lighting; the housing and the trim. Housings can accommodate a wide variety of trims, and the trim affects how the light is seen. Trims have a variety of accessories that aid in controlling the light, such as baffles and lenses. Since there are recessed cans for new construction and remodeling, it is important to know which you need.
When your plans don’t allow recessed lighting and you still want to have a well-lit space, track lighting is your best choice. Track and monorail lighting can give you the task lighting you need and also add an aspect to the space that is pleasing to the eye. Directional lights and pendants can be hung anywhere on a track system and if you use a two circuit track you can set various scenes for your room. With several colors and metal finishes to choose from, as well as attractive glass shades, track lighting can impact your design as well.