Some people like to work in darkened, cozy corners lit by low-wattage bulbs. Others prefer a full bank of ceiling lights to illuminate every corner of the room.

The kitchen, which is both a workspace and living space, might have some of each. My kitchen has an informal eating area, space for entertaining and several work areas that need plenty of light.

In some places I’ve lived, I wondered why I was so uncomfortable in the kitchen. Those kitchens usually had a single ceiling fixture that lit the whole room. There might have been a light over the kitchen sink and a feeble light on the stove or in the vent hood above it, but there was hardly any light in the areas where I needed it the most. (more…)