Understanding the ideal amount of lighting for the kitchen starts by understanding the function of the kitchen itself. This is the place for food preparation from cooking to serving meals. This means that the proper lighting kitchen and dining room needs to be plentiful without being overpowering. For those who want to design the right lighting system for their kitchens, it pays to know the areas that need to be lit.
It all begins with the standard ceiling light that usually sits above the middle of the kitchen which illuminates the entire room. It is usually a bright light that provides even illumination so that you can see everything properly. But that is generally not enough for the kitchen alone. You will need to focus on the following areas.

Kitchen Sink
Lighting above the kitchen sink needs to be strong and direct. This means that you will need one or more specific lights to ensure proper illumination for food preparation and particularly cleaning the dishes. Track lighting is a possible option, but a single light can do the job. Keep in mind the possible glare if you are using a stainless-steel sink, so some diffusion may be necessary.

Stove
The stove is another important area for illumination. The trick is to install the proper lighting that also avoids the heat generated by the stove. Offset lighting from either side of the stove is a popular option. In addition, containing the lights behind a protective, heat-resistant material allows for a more direct illumination. You will need the proper lighting to see, so be sure that the entire stove is covered.

Kitchen Island & Countertops
The lighting above the kitchen island is normally done by track lighting. This is a series of smaller lights that are fixed along a track, hence its name. Each light can be directed at a specific location both for needed illumination and to show off the island itself.

The same is true for countertops that are used frequently. Track lighting offers an excellent source of illumination because it is inexpensive and easy to install.
Kitchen Cabinets
One of the more overlooked areas is lighting above kitchen cabinets. Proper illumination helps you see into the cabinets, so you can find the items that you need. While the overhead kitchen light offers good illumination, you may need smaller, more specific lighting inside each cabinet depending on your needs.
Plus, lighting from the top of the kitchen cabinets provides additional illumination to other areas of the kitchen itself. Which makes the best use out of this normally unused space.

Dining Room
Proper illumination of the dining rooms starts with the overhead ceiling light. This can be a fancy chandelier, or you can use smaller lights to achieve a unique effect. Again, even illumination is the key, so be sure to map out the area and install the right combination of lights.

Lighting kitchen and dining room starts by a quick inspection of what needs to be illuminated. And then getting the right lights to do the job. From lighting above kitchen cabinets to the working areas around the kitchen, the proper lighting makes everything easy to see.