Wow, that’s going to be a very dark kitchen. I think you will need most of those downlights, plus under cabinet lighting. Be careful to choose warm white 3000k or even very warm white 2700k to avoid the operating theatre look. Also presume you will have dimmers. Make sure you have several circuits so you can have some lights bright/some dim/some off. For example you could have the downlighters on one circuit and the the pendants and under cabinet lights on another, so you can have just the latter on when you want more evening atmosphere. Then the dining area and sitting area lights should also be separate circuits. Also consider a feature wall light in the under stairs space where you have the open area. And/or under breakfast bar lighting, or even plinth lights if you like that look (I’m not a fan personally). You are going to want a lot of layers of light. As regards layout I would suggest keeping the down lights along either wall where they are but playing around a little with the two central rows of lights so that they are more staggered and more random. Consider where you actually need and want them - eg one or two over/very near the hob (if your extractor doesn’t have built in lights), also above the prep space to the side of the hob, and maybe one just beyond the waterfall end of the island to light up the marble. Even just staggering those two rows so they are offset from the wall rows will help a lot with avoiding the grid effect. Electricians will go for a grid as it is much easier!

I want to install LED lights on plasterboard that is directly on top of PIR boards on a 5.1x2.2 metres garage that I'm converting to a home office. I was reading that I should have clearance between the lights and the PIR board to allow air circulation, so I was looking for slim profile LED lights, but with so many choices, it is difficult to find the right product and if I'm taking the right way. I initially wanted to put GU10 LED lights in place as there is a lot of options with colour temperature, beam angle and lumens. But slim led lights there is way less choice, also the brands are a bit more obscure. I was hoping anyone could shed some "light" here to what is the best way forward. The GU light fittings are quite bulky but I have more options compared to the slim LEDS that have an external driver. I was hoping to leave as much insulation in place as possible.

HI Ruth - what style of lights are you wanting? Perhaps we can assist. Check out our range at our website or we can bespoke items to suit. UK made with a friendly and knowledgeable team on hand for advice.

There are so many flush celing lights available now, chose different styles for different rooms. A pendant over the dining table always works well no matter the ceiling height. You can hang it quite low. Spotlights on a dimmer switch work better in a lounge as you usually have table lamps and floorlamps. Change it up a bit. I don't think using flush ceiling lights in every room is a problem as long as they are not all the same style. Keep them similar but not the same fitting. Think of different materials too. Glass, wicker style shades or metal.