We're having an extension built which will create a largish kitchen diner
(42 sq m!). I'm interested in experiences with various lighting options.
Specifically:

- I like the light which halogen spots throw out (more 'theatrical') but due
to the ceiling arrangement cannot have a transformer. You can get 240v
halogens these days - but are they OK / safe for use in ceilings? Halogens
get quite hot!
- If I understand correctly, it will soon be impossible to buy anything else
but low-energy bulbs. Does this have any implications for choosing the
lighting options?
- Any experiences with low energy halogen spot replacements? I've seen you
can even get dimmable ones these days, which would be ideal - so that we can
vary the brightness between the kitchen part and the diner part etc..
- I have a few low-energy lights of various sorts in the existing house.
Some seem to go bright pretty quickly, whereas others (spots) start as
bright as a candle and meander their way through to acceptable brightness in
up to 10 minutes! I could not cope with the latter in a kitchen!

Experiences, advice and suggestions most welcome! Thanks.

Pete