1.   But task lights alone create excessive contrast with the surroundings.

2.   Choosing task lights is usually the biggest kitchen lighting challenge, Bernstein said.

3.   Fluorescent fixtures were long unwelcome as task lights because they did not render true color.

4.   Ms. Kale said that low-wattage incandescent task lights attached to the undersides of cabinets make food look appealing.

5.   Task lights should be balanced with softer ambient light that is at least one-third as bright as the activity area.

6.   Table or floor lamps, pendant fixtures, undercabinet fixtures and track lights are good choices for task lights.

7.   Though cabinets may hide task lights, their reflection shows up on shiny counter tops and back splashes.

8.   Use task lights, the brightest lights, to highlight those areas.