By Valentina Cirasola

The kitchen is the most lived-in space in most homes.

The traditional kitchen of the past was a place for the family to gather. In the modern kitchen, little has changed.

Quite a few functions are performed in between: preparation of food, cooking and eating, as well as chores such as ironing, sewing, writing cards or kids sometimes doing their homework.

That’s why it is fundamental to display the right light both in quality and quantity.

For quality light, experience confirms that the most comfortable light is warm light, because the eyes see it as more natural as if it were the sunlight.

A warm light renders colors and food in a faithful, natural way.

Under warm light, for example, meat will appear fresh and more appetizing; under a traditional fluorescent cold light it will look badly kept and definitely will not stimulate the appetite. The inexpensive incandescent light bulb, halogen and dicroid bulbs are ideal to achieve a warm light.

The latter have a brilliant light and will brighten any space.

Saving energy is an important issue, suitable to the eco-compatibility of our lives.

Dicroid bulbs with a warm tone are ideal in kitchens and areas where we spend many hours.

The longer they are kept on, the greater is their capacity of saving energy.

Another aspect to consider is safety. Improper illumination can be a cause of accidents.

If lighting is too weak it will not allow us to see obstacles or to do precision work.

If the light source is directed from the wrong angle it will create a shadow on our work or the utensil we are using.

Let’s not forget that in the kitchen objects are sharp and hot and if we can’t see them well, they can be very dangerous.

If the lighting is too concentrated on one area and scarce around it, when we go out of that highly illuminated area, we lose the right perception of the obstacles.

Remember: light is life and life is color.

Lighting in the kitchen must be similar in quantity and quality.

Valentina Cirasola is owner and principal of Trullo Interiors and Valentina’s Designs. For information and appointments, call (408) 732-9782 or e-mail: trullointeriors@attbi.com.