According to Reader's Digest: Plan for enough lighting in the kitchen

Unlike in other rooms of the house, overhead lighting is insufficient in kitchens, says electrician Richard Terode. "In the kitchen, you don't want the light behind you, casting a shadow on the workspace. You need it positioned to fall in front of you." He likes under-cabinet lights because they shine directly on countertops.

In these kitchen cabinet designs below, you'll see under cabinet lighting makes a big impact on the work area as well as the design aesthetic.

Decorative glass cabinet doors
Dark kitchen cabinets with light granite countertop
Gorgeous granite kitchen countertops
Kitchen remodeling in Newport Beach
Kitchen remodel in Yorba Linda