I am wanting to install recessed lighting in my kitchen. I am wondering how many lights that I need to install. My kitchen cabinets go all the way to the ceiling. My ceilig space between the upper cabinets is seven feet and my kitchen is fifteen feet long. My ceiling height is eight feet high.

How many lights do I need to install? How far from the upper cabinets do they need to be installed?

Thanks,

Mark

The best advice I can give is to ask your wife how many lights she wants, and where she wants them!
There is no hard and fast rule. You may want to look at other installations, or ask an architect

I agree with ohb0b on this one.

A few years ago my parents redid their kitchen. Lighting was the biggest issue. I bought one of the recessed fixtures that my mom liked and wired it onto an extension cord so I could move it around the kitchen so she'd get a good idea as to the light pattern. Sure, it was maybe 12" lower than when installed but you get the idea. Recessed lighting is nice but you do tend to have dark spots between the lights if you space them too far apart.

One or two centered over the sink is a good idea for task lighting. You may want one centered in front of the fridge and maybe over the stove. If you have an island or anything you'd want to make sure that is well illuminated as well.

But really, unless you're the cook, ask your wife.

Good luck!