Lights AND LAMPS

Good task lighting is more important in a kitchen than in any other room: the ideal recipe is a mix of targeted downlights and hidden strip lights to illuminate worktops (the latter concealed under wall units or shelves), and dimmable pendants that are functional and atmospheric.

THROW LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT In the Country Living Whitstable kitchen at Homebase, from £1,542, downlighters in the glazed cupboards lift a dark colour scheme, give depth and highlight favourite ceramics. Low-voltage light strips beneath cabinets will create a similar effect

2 CHOOSE LIGHTS THAT CAST A WIDE POOL OF LIGHT over a table to extend over every diner, as in this openplan bespoke space by Border Oak, which features reconditioned vintage industrial pendants and wall lights. Urban Cottage Industries has a range of similar designs

3-6 EASY-CLEAN MATERIALS ARE KEY where steam and cooking oils build up. Chattered rice bowl porcelain pendant (3), from £180, DEVOL; Exeter pendant light (4) in antiqued brass, £112.50, Jim Lawrence; Agunnaryd pendant lamp (5) in black and brass, £60, IKEA; task wall light (6), £229, Original BTC

7 ADD A POP OF COLOUR Match it to another accent to bring a scheme together, as in this bohemian kitchen with its vintage orange Scandinavian pendants

8 FOCUS ON FUNCTIONALITY Try bare lightbulb pendants like these ones in a space designed by Blakes London – they’re good above prep areas as they cast a bright light. Olive & The Fox has versions with concrete fittings, £75