We added onto our house a few years ago which left the kitchen area without a window. I had to make up for the lack of direct natural light in it with extra lighting, bright white cabinets and by taking advantage of the light coming in from the bright and airy breakfast room next to it by raising the kitchen ceiling as far as possible with a slight bow, or modest vault.

I had lots of recessed lights put in the ceiling which has shallow coffers, hockey puck lighting in top of each the glass cabinet with glass shelving to allow the light to pass through, and under cabinet lighting, all of it on rheostats. My electrician thought I was going overboard, but I knew it was necessary and it turned out to be perfect. I went with Quality custom cabinets and have been very happy with the results. One of the best things I did was have electric plug strips put under the upper cabinets so that there are no ugly outlets showing. I also had them put under the overhang on the island where they were out of sight, but easy to access.