1. I'd leave the configuration as-is. I think this is one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" moments. It sounds like the current configuration works well, you were just hoping to break up the symmetry. If you want to add *more* cans, though, now is the time to do it, when they're already working on the electrical system.

2. I think the pendant lights would look fine without a seating area. Here's one of my inspiration pictures, which has that configuration.

Good luck. I can sympathize - it's *so* hard making all these decisions that can't be changed except at great expense!

Here is a link that might be useful:

I would leave it. I don't think that will be a decision you'll think about once it's too late.

I'm assuming that the perimeter cans are placed properly so light will fall on the counters and not behind you to create a shadow while you are working. Am I correct? Our cans throw light down the face of the upper cabinets and onto the work surface. If these cans are positioned properly then I see no reason to change anything. Of course I'm a symmetry person and sort of went crazed for a few days when I couldn't get mine symmetrical because of structural issues. I think the pendants are a great way of breaking up the squareness if you are not a symmetry person. Sorry to be so long in saying I agree with Danielle. HTH

"The cans are well spaced in the room and centered nicely, but is it just too precise and . . . square?!?"

YIKES! That layout is good for providing an evenly-lit space -- which sounds OK, but really isn't. What you need is bright lighting over your work areas, dimmable lighting over your dining area, lighting that illuminates the contents of your upper cabinets and fridge without glaring off your countertops. This 'plain square' pattern appears to have been planned by the builder considering only his convenience, and without regard to what is needed by the cook! Really good lighting will bring you years of joy and make your whole room look 'right' in a very subtle but powerful way.

So, TOTALLY without regard for what the ceiling looks like, are those cans where you need them to be? Superimpose your can locations over your cabinet diagram.

- Do you have a row of can lights over your main cabinet runs with the cans positioned at approximately the edge of the countertops? (This lights the cabinet contents and countertops well without blinding glare.) Is the spacing good? (Generally every 4-5 feet.)

- Do you have some extra light over your sink for washing dishes? This light needs to be able to get really bright so you can tell if things are really clean. I'm not a clean-aholic, but 'good enough' on dishes just isn't!... ;-)

- Will you have extra light under your range hood or do your ceiling lights need to take care of this? You want great light over your prep counter and cooktop.

- Your island is not a seating area? That certainly doesn't rule out pendants, but if it's a work area, you'll need to make sure they're bright enough to work by.

- I've talked about bright lights here and here and here, but DO have some areas with slightly lower light as well. Why? Because it looks so nice to have the contrasts and makes the room so much more appealing. Take a look through some design magazines at whole-room shots and note how the rooms that feel most inviting have 'pools of light'. So for areas where you're not washing, cutting or cooking, deliberately have them a bit less bright.

- Are all of these fixtures on dimmers? Or dimmer-capable? This makes a huge difference and provides 'fudge room' if you over-light.

- And consider the switching also, grouping lights by purpose. It's nice to have one or two switches for cooking, one for cleaning, one for dining (if you were dining there), and one for safety (kitchen's closed for the night, so walk-through lighting).

So if the 'square' meets these needs, then leave it, and don't worry about what the ceiling looks like.
But if not, then spend your money here, now, getting it right.

Sweeby - you always come through for me! :-)

The position of the outside rows of the square are good - hits the cabs/counters right where it should. The sink is in the island and does not (w/ the current cans) have a light directly over, but rather one on either side of the sink. Not optimum, but hey - my daughter does the dishes. (okay, I should likely have more light then!)

The cans will be on two different dimmers as they are now - a separate one for the last row over the island. The undercabs are on a different dimmer, and then the dining room yet another dimmer.

It's not perfection, but I guess it's okay. My DH said I still have time tonight to make adjustments, so thank you all for the food for thought! I so appreciate you all chiming in!