Hi,
I have made so many comments on Recessed lights in this forum, that everything seems a repeat.
Tips:
1. Know how wide the beam is when it hits the counter.
2. Know how strong the light is when it hits the counter.
That affect where and how many you need.
If you don't know this and can not find the specs for this, or can not understand the specs, you might have to test the light fixtures in person.
3. You have to decide if you want smooth lighting in the kitchen or spotted light ouput; that affects the placement.
4. I like lights on both sides of me where I work in the kitchen, you might want them overhead.
5. You will have to know if shadows are cast anywhere by the recessed light being blocked by the upper cabinets. Undercabinet lights are a must there. You may have to buy several undercabinet lights and test them to see which ones you like: bright or dimm, spots or smooth light on the surface.
6. In the living area you may want to have some on and some off at one time. That means mutiple switches.
If you don't want to go through all the work of figuring this stuff out for your home visit a lighting specialist.
Also I strongly recommend looking at the slideshow on this site (top, right side). Pick the lighting you like and click on the picture for hopefully some lighting info.

www.finishedkitchens.blogspot.com

Bob

Thanks for the feedback, Bob. I had actually read a lot of the discussions here over the last couple of days, but our specific floor plan is what has been difficult for us (mainly the "L" in the kitchen with the island to contend with).

Here is what I've come up with. The lights seem to be a standard 4" gimbal (with 50W bulb I believe) and we don't have any flexibility here because it's all the builder is offering. We could presumably change them out later. We are doing under cabinet puck lights and from what we've seen in the model homes, this REALLY helps to properly light the counters.

We've set the pots in the kitchen at 28" from the wall in order to sit right at the edge of the counters, and I added one additional pot in front of the pantry next to the wall oven (top left of the plan).

Anyway, here is the floor plan (click to enlarge!):

{{!gwi}}

Thanks again for the help!

Trepex,
I can't see anything I would do differently. If the 4" gives enough light and wash, you should be happy. I used some pretty bright CFLs in my 5' fixture, so I get good light and great light spread. The only thing which I know you can't control is the 4" fixture. Nope that is not locking you into one type of bulb. With the 5", I can change the bulb to a rflector or the light lumen output or color of light (white or whiter, etc.).
But if you have seen the light fixture and love it, than that solves the need for making any other kind of change.

Looks Good!
Bob
PS. Great move on adding a light near the pantry.

Trepex,
Rethinking....make sure you see the 50 watt perform in person! Measure how wide the light spreads and if that will be OK for you.
If you don't like it, fight for a change. Cans and baffles just don't cost that much. If the builder has contracted a lighting specialist to design the lights, than you probably are OK.
Bob

Will do, thanks a lot! I'll post back with results :)