The shadow on the chopping board
You stand at the bench and the light is behind you. Your body casts a shadow over the food, even though the kitchen has plenty of downlights. This is a placement problem. More output from the same position can simply make the shadow more obvious.
Lighting in layers means giving different sources different jobs. A bench light helps you prepare food. A pendant relates to an island or table. Light on a wall or ceiling can soften the room around them. The layers need not be complicated or expensive; they need to land in useful places.
Before choosing fittings, mark the actual work areas on the plan. Then stand in those positions and consider where the light will come from. Include the view from the sofa: once cooking is finished, the kitchen should not have to remain the brightest object in an open-plan room.
Stand where the work happens
Check the sink, hob and other work areas individually. A single symmetrical arrangement rarely answers every task equally well.
Let the layers carry different jobs
Under-cabinet light can serve a bench. A pendant can relate to an island or table. General light supports movement and cleaning. Each needs to be placed so it avoids irritating reflections and glare.
Think about the kitchen from the adjoining room too. The same bright task setting that works while cooking may dominate the living space afterwards.
Control the change of pace
I group lights around activities. The practical preparation layer should be easy to reach, and a softer setting should not require a tour of several switches.
Try the materials under the intended sources before ordering. Shiny splashbacks and pale worktops can make a light behave quite differently from its shop demonstration.