we are now thinking something like this.

Houzz is really buggy these days. When uploading pix, give them lots of time to appear in full color, before submitting.

I don't have a pic of our shelf with the UC lights on, but the light strip is located very close to the front of the cab, so it lights up the shelf contents as well as the counter. It helps, that the shelf is only about 7" deep, vs. the 15" deep cab and we also have ceiling spots that light the counter:

Daylight pic:

You could get something made to specifications specially for the space:

Feel free to contact me if you'd like to know more at : retrosteamworks.etsy.com all of my fixtures are hand made by me and can be fully customized to meet your requirements.

A company called Envirolite (and I'm sure there are others) makes aluminum LED profiles for LED tape lights. These are very shallow; you could cut a groove in the underside of a shelf and insert the profile which would be nearly invisible. The profile's diffuser would prevent the LED's from reflecting in the countertop.

did I mention losing sleep.
One of the reasons for an open shelf or ledge was because we are using zellige tiles which have an unfinished edge. I really would like to avoid schluter if possible. so the ledge was the solution. However, we rewound yesterday and said getting a shelf just for the zellige is one solution but maybe we should rethink. so now we are thinking no zellige but board and batten on that wall and a much higher shelf with the light UNDER the shelf.

Thank you, @purpleproject!

We put the driver in a nearby cabinet, closet, attic etc.

Puck light on flip

We have both articulating lights and UC strips. The transformers for the UCL and other strip lighting are all in the basement utility room. As a matter of practice, I use the articulating lights much more often than the UCL, as it lights the counters well and also casts a nice light on the whole area. Also, I think zellige is fantastic--we have it on our fireplace and would have had it in the kitchen if I'd been able to find it in time. Don't give it up!

Sorry, purpleproject, I didn't wait long enough for the photo to load so had to edit my reply.

hi everyone. I think we are now leaning towards more minimalist. what do you think?

The minimalist look is very appealing! Reminds me of a photo I recently saw on the Instagram account of one of the brands we sell. Here's the item shown in that photo.

If you're still interested in the adjustable/articulating wall lamps, here are some ideas:

Savoy House Dakota

Hudson Valley Latham

Savoy House Morland

Hudson Valley Metal No.2

George Kovacs Save Your Marriage (cute name, huh?)

Plus, some wall lamps that are not adjustable, but are stylish:

Hudson Valley Signature

House of Troy Hyde Park

Elk Boudreaux

Sonneman Chelsea

Kichler Alden

These are just a few options. Let me know what you think!

Amazing!

Try tape lighting! It can be installed easily and easily hidden from view. We have a new adjustable wall light, check out https://www.kichler.com/kichler/products/indoor-lighting/wall-sconces/wall-lights-with-arms/ellerbeck-wall-sconce-bk/