Led strips can be quite bright. But they won’t light up areas in front of window and around fridge or provide lighting into overhead cabinets or to the floor for cleaning, finding that thing you dropped etc. so yes I would add more lights I have lights on different switches and have all on while cooking then leave only one set on after we finish eating.

Indicative plan. Pay attention to switch locations and two-way switches

Oh and dimmer switches in dining and living room

Thanks so much, Kate! Yes, our switches are two-way, and will be on different switches. The electrician has placed this exactly where you have proposed it.

Are you suggesting the light in the laundry is right above the sink? And wall lights?

I left my electrician unsupervised and have a kitchen that is lit up like a runway. Luckily the lights are on two switches so I can dial down the Heathrow look. I think the answer is somewhere in between what your builder and others are suggesting. You def need a light between your head and the sink. Ceramic pendants throw limited light so you will need task lighting, Think about how you plan to move around and use the kitchen and laundry. The living, dining and study rooms don’t need to be over lit. A central fitting plus lamps would be enough unless you undertake specific activities eg craft in those rooms.
L move around and use the kitchen and laundry bi don’t

Thanks, big reader! So, should the correct position for kitchen task downlights be aligned with the edge of the bench? All the plans we have from our builders have the lighting set between the bench and the wall /cupboards. Looks right on paper but maybe not practical.

Given your sink is in the island you may need to rethink your choice of pendants and change them out for something that is both decorative and functional. It will look weird to have a downlight lined up with the edge of the bench and so close to the pendant but you need to have task lighting in your prep area. Functional pendants coupled with the two downlights shown in Kate’s diagram plus the strip lighting should cover the kitchen area.

Under cabinet lighting will ligt benchtop will not light up overhead cabinets or below bench cabinets. Need lights in front or to side of you when at benches so you are not casting shadow on your workspace. I hadn’t particularly included wall lights they are switched on my plan but you could. I have a sensor to turn lights on over my laundry sink but it’s a little annoying as times out when I am not moving enough or out of range.

Here are some more plans. The first is what the current builders' plan looks like.

The next 2 are plans I have been working on based on your feedback. Do either of these look OK? I tend to want to line things up on a plan, but does it matter if the ceiling lights don't align between the kitchen/dining and family rooms?

VS1

VS 2

Up to you really.perhaps v1

Def. not the builders plan. Are they paid commission per downlight?????I would agree prob ver 1 of yours but why does the dining room need so many lights?

I have 4 Downlights in my dining. Creates even light around table

Would prob put a pendant in living space not single down light downlighting

Just had a thought. Do you have any display homes near you? Whilst it’s winter you could visit on a low light day and see what their lighting plan is and how well it works.

Thanks for all your suggestions - very helpful!!