Colin wrote:
I think the wife/children would object to switching
lights on/off all day long.

Then teach them, like my father taught me!

15w compact fluorescents in the corners above the cabinets work well, as
they wash the ceiling with light which is diffused around the room. These
could stay on for extended periods.
The halogens provide excellent bright light, but 750w won't be needed all
the time, as you seem to concur.

You could go for 3 independently switched lighting sources:
10w - 20w of under cabinet fluorescent strips,
Hidden CF wall/ceiling washes to provide general illumination,
LV halogens for detail lighting and making the missus go ooohH.

--
Toby.

'One day son, all this will be finished'