I would avoid recessed cans altogether. They are the worst possible choice for general and task lighting. You need a lot of them, which increases the cost, and it's difficult to prevent strong shadows even so.

Pendants with translucent shades are much better, but still fit with current ideas of style. Surface mount globes are fine.

IMO, surface mount linear fluorescent fixtures are by far the best for kitchen task lighting serviceability and cost, but unfortunately they are out of fashion.

Yes, I would fit undercabinet lights - T4 or T5 fluorescent, or LED.

The electrical code mandates maximum spacing for counter receptacles and wall space receptacles.

I agree about the under-cabinet lights. They are highly recommended by lighting professionals for task lighting. Task lights should be between your head and work surface to prevent shadows from your head.

I would still consider recessed adjustable cans. What you would want to avoid are straight downlights for general fill or ambient lighting. It is better to cross-light (direct the beam at an angle)and have lights bouncing off the ceiling and walls, so you avoid the blinding and eye fatigue that can occur when looking at a mirrored/ reflected surface. I would also avoid putting can lights behind your head where your head would cast shadows on your work surface.

I would put pendants above the peninsula for ambient light. Either opaque or translucent. There are even nice fluorescent pendants now that both energy efficient and give a beautiful light. Fluorescents have come a long way. You can now get them in a variety of different types and color temperatures. Peach and pink undertones are the most flattering for people's skins.

Above the sink, I would do two recessed lights on either side that cross light the sink area. One single light would create the problems mentioned before.

With the soapstone counters (non-reflective) you have less to worry about since you won't get the mirrored effect you get with polished surfaces. Your white cabinets will also reduce your lighting needs a lot - an all-white kitchen needs something like 40-60% less light than a dark-colored kitchen.

Would you want the option of plugging anything in along the pantry wall? If so, yes, I would put outlets there. I put outlets in my walk-in pantry so I could have the option of plugging in small appliances/ charging phones.

All the best. I think you'll have a beautiful kitchen! I love your white, soapstone, wood floor combo.

April-Lorraine: Thank you for the advice and your reasoning. What you wrote makes a lot of sense. I am not sure what I would plug into the pantry since it will be only 12" deep but I guess it would not hurt to have an outlet somewhere back there just in case.

Thanks again so much!

David&Lorriane- I will have to do some research on under cabinet lights-- thanks!