Can fluorescent lighting be made less ugly?

We have a rectangular fluorescent ceiling fixture in the kitchen. Is is roughly 48" x 16" x 4" and has kind of a soft plastic covering over it. We also have recessed lights in there, and I don't use the flourescent light unless I really need to see something better. I hate the light that it gives off (much more so than in an office). I guess it's because it's such a cool, rather than warm look. Are there different types of bulbs or plastic coverings that would make this look better so it would be more usable? I noticed an ad for a light that mentioned prisms. Thanks!