Lighting, electrical and ventilation are all-important elements of a kitchen and should be taken into consideration during the planning stages.

Now it's time to sort all your wireworks out. You'll save money by working as much as possible with what is already existing in the allotted space. These are the things you need to consider:

Lighting
Adequate lighting is a must. Work surfaces need ample illumination for the safety and comfort of the cook. This can be achieved by a combination of the following:

Natural lighting
Consider orientation and window sizes and take advantage of natural light.

Task lighting
This is localised lighting to main work areas. Fluorescent lights under overhead cupboards are an example of this.

General lighting
Provides overhead illumination and relies on reflection from surrounding surfaces.

Light sources
Incandescent globes cast a warm glow and render colour well, but may heat up the room.

Fluorescents use less electricity and give greater illumination, but some don't like their overpowering effect. Cool white tubes give a better colour rendition.

Tungsten-halogen units are a popular low-voltage incandescent that are ideal for spotlighting objects. They last longer and use less electricity, but are more costly up front and also more heat producing.

Electrical
As for the electrical side of things, if anywhere in the house needs a good supply of power points it's the kitchen - especially in the preparation area where the number of small appliances probably outnumber the pieces in your cutlery collection.

Don't forget to include a separate power point for the fridge, microwave, range hood and dishwasher. Keep in mind building requirements that prohibit electrical points less than 150mm away, or 400mm above, a sink.

Stoves and cooktops are normally hard-wired back to the switchboard for safety, and it's a good idea to have the dishwasher on its own circuit as well, in case of overloads. It's also a good idea to have more than one power point circuit in the kitchen for the same reason.

Power point and light switches come in many different designs, colours and configurations these days, so think beyond the white plastic rectangle and go for something different.

Ventilation
Natural ventilation through a window is a preferred option, but mechanical ventilation is a must. Kitchen smells, grease, steam and heat should be removed as quickly as possible with a range hood, overhead extractor fan or ducted benchtop extractor.

The range hood should cover the cooktop and be suited to the type of cooking done. Plan on high-capacity mechanical ventilation if your cooktop has a wok burner or barbecue option.
Most rangehood models are available as top ducted, back ducted or recirculating.