Bad lighting is annoying anywhere in a home, but nowhere are poor lighting choices more acutely felt than in the kitchen.

The modern kitchen is the hub of the home. Food preparation, family meetings, scheduling, eating, homework… it all happens here. The old standard single fixture in the middle of the ceiling just won’t do the job.

Fortunately, kitchen lighting has come a long way over the past decade and homeowners have a lot of choice – in both lighting design and fixtures.

Today’s lighting designers look at lighting plans in terms of integrating general lighting with task and accent lighting. The end result is a space that not only looks great; it functions better for everybody who uses it.

If you’re doing a complete kitchen remodel then you’ll do yourself a big favor to think about the lighting plan early in the process, as any rewiring that needs to be done it is best done during construction. Deciding to put in recessed lighting after the new ceiling is complete will just frustrate the heck out of you.

Generally speaking, if you’re changing the lighting scheme in your home, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional — even if it’s just for a short consult. There are an incredible number of products out there and a lighting expert will be able to guide you to the best choice for your home, and your budget.

The first thing to do is to determine what you want your lighting plan to achieve. Think about where specific tasks, such as sorting bills or food preparation, will take place. Think about what areas need light and what areas require more ambiance.

The kitchen table, for example, is an area that will need something flexible. Sometimes work may be happening there that will require bright light, other times the mood will call for just a little light. A decorative fixture with a dimmer control is the perfect solution in this case.

Under cabinet lighting provides excellent lighting in key work areas and comes in a wide range of choices. Fluorescent models provide the brightest light, although low-voltage halogen fixtures are a great alternate under cabinet system as they cast a very bright and visually appealing light. The relatively newer xenon fixtures are another option. They operate at lower temperatures than halogens with comparable efficiency.

Even though the under cabinet system is designed specifically for task lighting, a dimmer control allows them to work as accent lighting when needed also.

To boost the overall lighting, both track lighting and recessed down lights work wonders. Track lighting is a great option if you are looking for a quick, easy solution. An added bonus is the ability to change the light’s direction when needed.

Recessed down lights provide even illumination. Install them over key work areas, such as counters, stove and sink areas, for adequate task lighting for food preparation, cooking and cleaning.

Over cabinet lights and pendant lights create a stylish and contemporary feel, as well as providing great ambient lighting. Pendant lights over a kitchen island, for instance, are simple but very elegant.

To complete the look, match the finish on your fixtures to kitchen hardware. Pewter and satin nickel finish are both very popular right now.

Just changing the lighting scheme in your kitchen will freshen the whole look of the space — making it both beautiful and functional. Read more about planning your kitchen remodel with the help of an article on The "Kitchen Work Triangle".