Thanks David - I've been kicking around the idea of doing low profile strips under the shelves - i might even like to have a channel routered out so they're completely flush but I haven't gotten that far yet. I could also potentially have them install pucks in the bottom of the shelves (since technically they're hollow). I'll have to talk to the electrician and see what his advice is. I appreciate the input!

I have never seen a vanity light over a kitchen sink. I'm curious why your electrician would wire it that way. If budget allows, I think you would be "better off" having him wire it from the ceiling if that is what you want, rather than ending up with something that looks out of place and that you may end up hating. If it absolutely has to be wired in the wall, is there room for wall sconces? They look pretty but I'm not sure how great they'd be for task lighting. Depending on where your sink is in relation to your peninsula, you might also consider lighting that is flush to the ceiling or a recessed can so as to avoid too many fixtures hanging down.

Is that true, FoxCrane? I was told that the benefit of placing the recessed lights right at the edge of the counter was that it wouldn't cast a shadow?

My research and experience say 450 lumens at the counter for task lighting. The light has to be placed in front of the person working at the counter to avoid casting a shadow over the stuff you're chopping with a sharp knife. Sizing the bulb requires consideration of the ceiling height for distance, the beam spread as a spot of 20* or 40* and the color temperature of say 3000k with good CRI like 90 for color accuracy. Juno has Gen2 2" can fixtures that are up there in price produce 1000 lumens at the bulb. If you have upper cabinets led strip undercabinet lights can add to overhead lighting. LED 17.5w A19(regular screw-in bulb format) 100w equivalent bulbs in 5-6" white recessed can fixtures($15) are the least expensive. 4 dimmable Feit bulbs are $7 at Costco in my state. These make good ambient lighting in bedrooms and kitchens. Maybe four for your 237sqft space. You can use them for flood overhead task lighting for a very affordable plan.