I would definitely add wall lights, so when you don’t need a lot of light, you can just have those lights on. Also useful as additional lighting when you need it.

One of the other Houzzers added picture lights as wall lights in the kitchen (Resh, who is doing a Victorian renovation), which I thought was a great idea, but it’s not the minimalist look you’re going for.

I have these, Tolomeo by Artemide, but they aren’t very sleek

You could also consider these. Artemide Talo.

We have a couple of them (albeit in a hallway) and like them also because they emit light from bottom and top.

They come in different finishes and also in a longer version.

Hi
Thanks for the suggestion. I like the design but wonder if they would give enough direct light. Aren’t they more wall washer lights?

Here are my two cents.

I would light up the ceiling as the act's as a reflector and the light will bounce back to the rest of the kitchen.
With these wall lights probably you've made a mistake, as they are purely for decoration and won't do much. You might consider installing some LED stripes under the kitchen doors to light up the floor. Combined with the ceiling lights it will make a sandwich of illumination. If you are interested in that option, I might give you few options as light models.
Cheers

You could have a shelf or shelves with lighting underneath too. That doesn't look too 'kitcheny', especially if you put decorative, non kitcheny items on them.

Another option, that I love, is pendants above the counter. If they can go above an island, why not above the counter along a wall. As long as you don't hit your head against them...

Or...

Thanks for all the suggestions. We’ve been recommended the use of LED down lights that can be angled slightly to bounce light of the wall and illuminate the worktops below. Like these
I’ll post some photos when they’re installed.

Hi Rachel,

I can see you've already chosen your lighting but I'll post some more options in case others find this thread and want to keep researching!

Caravaggio Read Wall Lamp

Louis Poulsen PH 2/1 Wall Lamp (as suggested by Carolina)

Flos IC C/W1 Light in Chrome

Louis Poulsen Toldbod 155 Wall Lamp

Louis Poulsen Arne Jacobson AJ Wall Lamp

Lightyears Radon Matt Wall Lamp

Click on each link for other colour and style options, or have a look at our full range of lighting here.

Phoebe

Thanks for the comment. We haven’t finally decided on actual wall light fittings yet so your suggestions are very helpful.

The Artemide Talo has a high lumen and emits good direct light so is certainly not (just) a wall washer.