1. Don’t stick to rows or grid patterns of ceiling downlights unless they match up with what you need to have illuminated.
2. If your kitchen is part of an open plan area, build in some background lighting so that the kitchen “zone” isn’t totally in the dark when the other zones are being used. A lot of people feel uncomfortable with a dark area behind them.
3. If a kitchen is going to have wall hung cabinets always use under cabinet lighting. Get this right and it will create perfect, shadow-free lighting onto the work surfaces and the rest of the lighting in the kitchen becomes pretty much incidental.
4. Under cabinet lighting can make the perfect background lighting. It allows small tasks like making a hot drink easy at night without requiring higher light levels that interrupt relaxation.
5. Ensure that island or peninsular pendants don’t become a barrier to talk through and don’t get in the chef’s way when cooking. Also consider if you really want to interrupt views into the garden.
6. Don’t plan for a crystal chandelier in a kitchen that’s going to be used. They tend to need cleaning around twice a year. A greasy, dusty chandelier doesn’t only look horrible – it’s also a germ magnet.
7. Ask yourself “Does anything in here merit being highlighted?” e.g. a mantel piece over a range, fabulous flooring, glassware, etc.
8. Lights installed inside the cupboards and drawers will always be more effective than trying to light them from outside.
9. It’s always worth making all kitchen lighting, other than any background lighting, dimmable. This is especially the case if it’s part of an open plan area.
10. Beware of polished floors if you plan to use LED ribbon for your plinth lighting. If you don’t use the right products every individual LED will be mirrored.

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