Task kitchen lights are work area lights. Work lights are best lit with bright shadowless lights. Fluorescent lighting is particularly well suited for work lights because of their large surface area and broad diffusion of light. Work light fixtures should be close or above the work area such as counters, sinks, and tables. They can be mounted under the upper cabinets or on the ceiling.  For an island or peninsula counter top, that has no upper cabinets to attach lights to, they can be hung as pendant style fixtures or mounted on the ceiling as track lighting. Selecting the right kitchen island lighting fixture must be in balance with the rest of the kitchen decor.

If ceiling mounts are used then you can use incandescent bulbs or compact florescent lamp bulbs (CFL). CFL bulbs will use a lot less power than incandescent bulbs.  These light sources have very defined beam patterns and cast hard shadows. The ceiling lights can be mounted on the ceiling track lighting or they can be recess canisters. The recess canister can be positioned directly over the work area.   

Ambient lighting:                   

Ambient lighting is the general overall light that fills in shadows, reduces contrast, and lights surfaces to give the space a brighter appearance. Ambient light is for the casual activities in the kitchen. If the kitchen has light colored wall surfaces and lots of windows there should be plenty of natural ambient light from outside that provides a lot of light into the kitchen during the day.

During gray sky days and during the night, ambient light from outside will not provide any light to the kitchen. Fluorescent lights are well suited to the job of providing ambient light. They provide broad and even illumination, and their efficiency makes it possible to fill the space with lights without overheating the kitchen.

The florescent lights can be in a hanging central fixture or a fixture mounted on the ceiling. A second option is to install florescent lights above the upper cabinets to indirectly reflect off a light colored ceiling. If there is at least 12 inches above the upper cabinets to the ceiling, this is an inexpensive way to brighten up a kitchen. Or you can install a hanging fixture over an island so the light will shine down onto the island.

Another choice is to add accent lighting to light a special space or object that you want people to notice and admire. Accent lighting is usually done with spot light fixtures. They can be for lighting artwork, architectural details, collectibles, or a food presentation area.