I vote for choice #2, since it avoids the matchy matchy look and complements your beloved fixture very nicely. :)

Well, I like the first one, but I think it becomes that 'tried to match and couldn't' look that you want to avoid.

So if I have to pick, then I guess #2 - but I don't really care for the fixture - doesn't have the interesting look that I think you want. And we are still getting some of the 'tried to match and couldn't' feeling.

A couple more for you to consider. I like the first one because it has a modern feel, and picks up on the wood cabinetry:

milano drum pendant

This one is trimmed in the silver:

apollo drum pendant

This one combines the bowl you have, with the angular pieces that hold it (and I think there might be three of them, looking at the angles of the two that are showing - the third being on the back side of the pendant - not sure, tho):

soho bowl pendant

kaypeakay, thanks for you vote on #2.

Les, I also love the milano drum pendant - it's maple but a darker shade of maple than my cabinets and floor. I'm going to take another look at that. In fact I love all your suggestions and I'm going to show them to DH tonight. I really appreciate the effort you're taking to help me.

Thanks, Sky

I like #2. I like that it uses the same materials, but doesn't have the same bowl shape (so as to avoid the trying to match thing). I also like the Milano Drum pendant (very cool looking), but not sure about the wood tone. I guess it depends on what other woods and things you have going on.

Okay, I have to admit, I have a problem with "almost but not quite" like Les does. Number 1 doesn't work for me for that reason.

I think Les is on the right track with the drum pendants. I think it could work to move further away style-wise and have something that makes sense but doesn't necessarily look the same. I do wonder if drums will look dated in a few years, but neither is so expensive that you couldn't replace it in five or so.

Two important questions:

How large is that pendant that you love?

Where is it in relation to the location of the new light?

I am thinking of something similar to #2, but instead of three on the same plane, three small pendants at staggered heights in a very simple flush canopy. The kicker is, I'd want to see the glass shades exactly replicate the shape of the pendant shade, only in an inverted position. (clear as mud?)

I agree with Les, You need to use a light fixture that is not the same at all.

I suggested a drum in my post to you on the last thread. I think it would add casual elegance to the dining area.

Hey there Sky, how about a more simplistic drum in a lighter shade? from cb2--and only $49 !

{{!gwi}}

That's the direction I would take. That way your unique pendant remains that way and keeps center stage.

btw, with the reflections, it looks like you have a couple of guns stashed inside the bowl of the pendant :-p

Well, 49 bucks is certainly a trend-proof price!

Amy, you're right - 49$ is a trend proof price LOL. I sent DH the link to the milano drum pendant that Les posted and he liked it and will look at all the choices tonight.

Polka dot, yes, I'm not sure about the difference in color between the shade and the cabinets, but maybe it's best that it doesn't exact match, blend in and get boring and matchy matchy.

LOL Tryingtogrow - when I read that I was wondering - what the heck is she talking about, we don't have any guns - then I looked and boy it certainly looks like that doesn't it. Well those "guns" are the new environmentally correct light bulbs.

My table is 36"x72" and it's far enough away from the island that it can take something large enough and appropriate for the kitchen table. In addition I'll be painting it a caramel color on the little bit of wall I have with a blue ceiling. I also worry that, as you can see in the picture of the fan, I have a group of floor to ceiling glass door cabinets for display so I don't want to completely direct the focus from that.

Thanks for all your help.

Sky

I really like the idea of a drum pendant like Les and tryintogrow posted.

On an off topic what color are your countertops and kitchen appliances? It looks like you have natural maple cabinets. I really like the glass cabinets in your second photo.

Astrid

bristlingacres my cabinets are natural maple and the countertop and appliances are black. The only color per se in my kitchen is my frosted glass table top which I adore - it's that water soft blue-green color and I'm going to paint something similar on the ceiling.

Thanks for the complement on my glass cabinets - since my kitchen is so neutral and potentially blah I wanted some things in my kitchen that were special such as that wall of cabinets, my lamp over the island and my table.

Sky