Making room for lights

Question from Claire: 

We are remodeling our 70's style custom kitchen. I want to take out the upper cabinets. I know everyone thinks I am crazy but I haven't used my upper cabinets for months now testing my theory. Question that I have is we have a soffit above the upper cabinets, would you keep the soffit and put in can lights in the soffit or would you remove the soffit and put can lights or small pendent lights from the ceiling?

Jake's Answer:

Claire,

Without a doubt, I would remove the soffits and put in can lights over the counters.  Consider installing the pendants over the island or other focal point you might be creating in your new kitchen.