That Idea is NOT GOOD PERIOD. Put some drywall over the recessed area and lay out proper lighting. There is no reason this kitchen needs crown molding you need it to feel bigger not smaller.

Thank you Patricia! I'm not sure why my contractor insisted on keeping the recessed square. I don't know if it'll be difficult for him to redo the ceiling. I will suggest this to him including the 4" pot lights.

Thank you RL Relocation! What distance should the lighting be from the cabinets?

I can't attach the pdf drawing of the new kitchen design to give a proper example. Essentially new cabinets and movement of the stove further to the right, and the dishwasher will take the old stove's position.

I realized I can screenshot the drawings.

Also, not sure what you think is "too close to the cabinets" but it's ideal to have pot lights between the front of the cabinet and the edge of the counter, so that when you are working there, you aren't throwing a shadow on your work space. So perimiter is good.

Acm, you're right. Some reason I read somewhere about recessed lighting being too close to the wall cabinets, causing a wash of the cabinet door, but I didn t do further homework on it. I just did a search and what you said is correct! Edge of the counter for pot lights with wall cabinets, otherwise, center of counter if no cabinets. Thank you for the advice!

yes and if the foot print stays the same then one in the middle and one over the sink. Can you have the one over the sink be on its own switch? And if you can add some under cabinet to give you more balance. do you have a plan drawing?