When the ceiling joist is in the way your light moves over 2".

Is that a skylight over your peninsula? Do you have enough light at the sink end? I think I'd do just what you were thinking - move over the two existing lights so they divide that end of the peninsula 1/3, 2/3 or as symetrically as the joists allow. Unfortunately, this could be an issue if you have texture on your ceiling because you need to match what's there which is tricky.

Thanks Suzannes1. The skylight is actually between the far end of the island and the cooktop. I will have lights mounted on this directed down on my prep sink area (at that end, in the island).

Good point about the ceiling joists / movement of 2 inches. I know I'd be fine with the centering (however I do it) being off by only 2''.

No issue matching the ceiling texture; it's just drywall (decorated with way too many cans...).

So it should be fairly easy. Decide on where you actually want the lights and stick nails in the center of those spots. Some lucky person gets to crawl up in the attic (is this a 1-story house?) and pull the existing wires out of the way while someone below drills two more nice holes for the new location. If the nails show that there won't be room next to a joist, then you get to re-locate. Kind of a pain, but if patching the drywall doesn't daunt you, you're good.

Personally, as I was patching the 10th or 19th piece of drywall, I decided it would have been easier to pull all the drywall in the first place and just replace it after.

What are you planning to do about finishing the ceiling?

Looks like you could do a pair of pendants or a single island fixture with 2 or 3 lights. Either way, it should help what appears to be the dark/sink end of your island. I don't know which way your joists run, but if possible, I think I'd want to move one of those three (spot to the left, dangling wire and hanging bulb) to balance the recessed cans with one on the right end of the island, then use one or both of the others to hang the pair of pendants or an island fixture. I think moving one can would help balance the light over the sink end of the island and then you could focus on the look you like best. If you didn't have enough light over the island, I'd say get a 3 light fixture instead of 2 pendants.

Depending on the type of light you want, the fact that there is a ceiling joist in the way, may not be a problem at all.

If you are putting in some sort of pendent-type light that is designed to mount over a standard ceiling box, you can install a "pancake box" which is a electrical box that is only 1/2 inch deep. You just cut the right size hole in the drywall and mount the pancake box directly to the stud, run the wire in through a grommet installed in a knock-out in the top of the box, and wire the pendent light up and attach it to the pancake box.

Thanks all for the responses.

It's a two story house; above kitchen is attic area so easily accessible. I've gotten pretty good at drywall patching but I do take your point about cutting out a section and just patching once.

Finishing the ceiling -- I was just thinking, paint? Almost hesitate to ask other suggestions....

Here is a new shot with some photoshopping. Lascatx, I've omitted the can in the front of the island but don't want to add another to the right side (to match one on left).

I am not sure whether I would prefer the lights to run the width of the island, or the length. Thoughts? Again, functionally, there is already so much light in this kitchen, I don't really need light in particular areas. I will have separate light (track spotlight, hidden in skylight) lighting prep sink area.

bob_cville -- thanks very much for the pancake box suggestion. Helpful to know.

This light fixture is one which boxer had posted; it's 28'' H x 14'' W. I also like this fixture:

Other ideas for lights?

You already know I love both those light fixtures.

If you end up not going with either of those you posted,
here are a few more beautiful fixtures....

href="http://s620.photobucket.com/albums/tt283/boxerpups22/White%20kitchens/?action=viewät=f3f01251.jpg"; target="_blank">

Maybe do a large single light fixture since this could
eliminate the beam issues or ceiling joist issues.

Oh Boxer (((HUGS))) Thank you! You are always such a terrific help. A picture IS worth a thousand words....

I think I prefer the 'cream' colored shades versus clear glass lighting; I feel it's much warmer and more comfortable to live with.

Here are the other lights I was looking at, photoshopped two ways, side by side across the width and also the length of the island.

Any preferences/thoughts?

Your island is almost square. It's not suited to the two pendant look. That is for an island that has different proportions where one dimension is significantly longer than the other. It needs as single larger pendant that is almost semi-flush. The reason it needs to be almost semi flush is that the larger size you need will look a bit overwhelming if it's hung as low as the Photoshopped pendants you show above.

You also need to replace the can light that the hood covered. It needs to be about 12" in front of that hood. All of your pictures have the hood in shadow, and you don't want that. NO TRACK LIGHTING! I can't stress that enough! Track lighting is completely wrong for your kitchen. I would do a bit of molding around the skylight that conceals rope lighting so the skylight isn't a black hole at night. It's for accent lighting and drama, not actual general or task lighting.

Since you like drum shades, maybe something like this.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hampton @ Amazon

Oh RATS. And I was just ready to place the order for the pendants. Thanks GreenDesigns. I do see the sense in what you're saying. Now to search for single large pendant, close to being semi-flush. If anyone can make suggestions (I like silver and cream), please post pictures/links/names.

Great point about replacing the can light, in front of the hood. I hadn't noticed until you pointed it out, that the hood is in shadow... but definitely see that now. There's not a lot of space in front of this; and the skylight had extra wood around it, to support it. Perhaps a smaller can?

From the edge of the trimwork to the skylight is 12''.

P.S. Note my nice patching job?

Here's the one I selected. They have several different finished, lots of fabric options and three different sizes. The largest I think is a 20" diameter.

Here is a link that might be useful: Stonegate Designs Classique

Thanks Dolode! I like it, will look into the available colors. Please post pictures of your shade in place! In the meantime, I am still searching for the right LED preferably semi flush or large pendant which is right for a large square island...

Oldbat...we just started renovation so it will be a while before I am able to post pics. Just ordered the light last week so haven't seen my selection in person yet. I went with the polished nickel with the white linen shade. But will post down the road. Good luck with your selection.

Boxerpups, I was wondering if it's possible for you to provide a link or info on the first pendant image you posted, the one with the three square glass pendants sitting above three candles on the island. Thanks so much and sorry interrupting.