One trip down the lighting isle of any big box store and you see the perplexed looks on prospective buyer faces. It is just TOO much confusing data to choose a light bulb anymore. LED colors have come a long way from the early blue "Am I in the morgue?" look. It gets better and better as each new generation of lamps emerges. Sadly, you can't tell by the label conclusively what you will get. You have to put one in your fixture to see what it does and how YOU like it. Yes, LED saves huge amounts on electricity because, simply, they are lower wattage. They last far longer than traditional bulbs and the prices are falling, however, the payback time on the electricity savings takes a while. Over the life of the lamp, you will save on the total cost of light. LEDs are not light bulbs. They have components called drivers that can sometimes go bad so remember, it's not always the lamp itself. Not all LEDs are created equal. Not all LEDs work will all dimmers. Some, despite claims, don't work on dimmers at all. So Caveat emptor. Know the brand and check with the manufacturer if you aren't sure. You may decide on an integrated fixture. Not a bad idea, however when it goes out, you replace the whole fixture. Remember that LED is NOT the only or best lighting solution in many cases. There are few LEDs that can rival the crisp, elegant look of halogen lighting. Under cabinet lighting is perfect for LEDs but get the color temp between 2700K and 3000K, which is what most humans prefer. For garages and closets, LED is a GREAT choice. Personally, I put dimmers on EVERY switch, in the walk-in closets, in case you want your robe in the middle of the night, in bathrooms, and especially in living areas. If you stay with incandescent, dim them way down and they will suck less energy and last a lot longer than their rated life. Be careful dimming fluorescents. They often buzz when dimmed. If you are looking for MR-16 LEDs, choose Soraa. You will pay a handsome price, but you will get the most magnificent LED light available. The inventor of that lamp won a Nobel Prize for it. Since almost all LEDs are made in China under various labels, be careful. There are quality differences. If you go cheap, you will give up features and might not get the color you are looking for. Even name brand companies have had massive recalls. There's almost too much to know just to just run out and buy a light bulb anymore. If you have a lighting showroom nearby, drop in and eyeball different lighting vignettes. They should be able to advise you on color options.

I so agree with Alphen Construction - on first glance, it is definitely the handles that are drawing the eye to changes in height. I would definitely try Alphen Constructions' suggestion re 'blocking out the handles with tape' to see how you like the effect. Take a photo when you do it, you can then compare. I think I would remove the handle from the cupboard over the fridge and the cupboard over the stove. I wonder if a steel extractor fan that would take that cupboard to the same level as the other cupboards might be an effective trick, it would also tie in the steel of the fridge, oven and appliances. Under cabinet lighting is needed in my opinion. I do hope you will be able to enjoy your kitchen because it is lovely. I wish you all the best.

Pop into the photo section here on house (or even the product section) and search "exterior pendant". I just did in photos and there are some lovely ones. Once you've chosen a style, post the link/pic here and we can help with suppliers and opinions.

Like most things in building you get what you pay for. I would ask exactly what the builder has quoted. Yes, I agree $1000 to stick on a strip of cheap IKEA lights is too expensive. However he may be quoting on co-ordinating the cabinetmaker and electrician to recess a better quality, rigid, fitting into the underside of the cabinetwork, concealing the wiring and transformer so it doesn't take up valuable shelf space, or is on display, and wiring it back to your main kitchen light switch, so $1000 for all of this sounds very reasonable for the neatness, convenience and longevity.Have a look at the neat, recessed LED lighting that has been built into the side of this shaving cabinet, and is wired back through the wall to the light switch adjacent to the door. It sure looks a lot nicer than a cheap white plastic Ikea stick-on light that is plugged into a power point with the white transformer being a feature of your kitchen. The Ikea stick on LED strips often comes unstuck when subjected to the steam that builds up under an overhead cupboard in a kitchen from a kettle or a stove. Some builders are poor communicators, so if a quote seems too high ask him exactly what he has allowed for. Best of luck with your kitchen task lighting, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls