Hi Louise! Thanks for posting and hopefully some of the Community will be able to help you out - is there any chance you could post a picture so we can get a visual on the garden? Would really help!

Ok firstly, we can work out the size of the room. (6.3m x 3m. Then multiply the answer by 25. So 18.9x25=472.5w) this will give you the amount of watts required as a rough guide for the room. Obviously layers of light are best so, the down lights over the worktops are a great place to start. Pendants, which can be switched separately to the down lights, over a table are good too. Under cabinet lighting and even lighting the plinths of the kitchen units at ground level or above the wall units add another dimension to the 'normal' look. Floors and ceilings are great for diffusing and reflecting light. Kitchens are always places where we struggle with shadows so again the spotlights over the worktops are best to help avoid this, but at the same time don't forget the rest of the room. You can always take light away, but to add it at a later stage is much much harder. Dimmable LED's will allow you to play more again with the lighting in the kitchen area if you choose to go for the option with more down lights. Consider the separate switching idea. There will be times when you want to make that last cuppa in the evening and the last thing you want is to walk in switch on the light and everything comes on at once! Romantic dinners, hectic family dinner times or a party are all different times when different levels of light are needed. Sorry that's a lot of info in a small space of time! But your right there is lots to be considered and you want to get it right. There are some more helpful hints on our website The Lighting Company and if your still struggling we are always available on the phone to help. PS we have a sale on until the end of the month!

There is a good article on Houzz about hiring a designer. Some designers work with architects, some work with building companies. You could find a professional on Houzz in your area and ask them for what they do. https://www.houzz.co.uk/ideabooks/62512362/list/10-questions-to-ask-an-interior-designer-before-you-hire-them

This is a helpful podcast if you are thinking about what size of kitchen island you want or what to go for: https://shows.acast.com/love-your-kitchen/episodes/exploring-function-over-aesthetics-with-amnda-hughes