trudymom-
Definitely 3 pendants-as long as they are average size-you have a good size island-I like your layout-and the resessed lights in the aisles/over sink- about 3ft apart-and put them on a dimmer- I have a separate switch for pendants and the can lighting-I like that- make sure they line up -I would stagger 3 on either side of the island (so they don't match up where the pendants are) centered in aisle.

I'm definately not a lighting expert (still struggling with what to get myself) so with that in mind this is what I suggest. I also agree with nodirthere, to go with 3 pendants on fixture. Here is my idea. HTH
{{!gwi}}

Different types of fixtures, trims and bulb types will influence the spread of light. In other words, light from a recessed can doesn't just go straight down - it goes out in a cone shape - and you have some control over how far it spreads by changing lamps (bulbs) and trims. If I recall, there was a helpful display at our local Lowes showing how far the different fixtures spread. Worth searching for something similar online.

One of the most useful pieces of information from this little exercise was the knowledge that if you're trying to illuminate a work surface that's 36" off the floor (or more meaningfully, 60" below the ceiling), you have less distance for the light to spread than if you're trying to illuminate a pathway on the floor, so you need to place your fixtures somewhat closer together. If your ceiling height is significantly taller, your fixtures can be a bit further apart, but you may need somewhat brighter bulbs.

What really helped me was to figure out the approximate diameter of the 'pool of light' at countertop height, and space my fixtures so that the light pools overlapped slightly, but centered on my primary work areas.

If it doesn't interfere greatly with function, place them in a grid rather than over specific areas which produces a random pattern like swiss cheese. Rely on undercabinet fixtures for functionally illuminating the counter and then it's easier to get a consistent pattern going with the recessed lights which will provide general lighting and illuminate the interior of the cabinets.

Linked below is a beam spread chart (scroll down to pg B-31) from Task Lighting that will give you helpful information. In fact, the whole website has a lot of useful info.

I'm not sure if 7 ft. is long enough for 3 pendants. You don't want them to be too close to the end of the island. If you had 2, you could have a recessed can (w/narrow beam spread) between them to highlight an object setting on the counter. I would draw it out to scale so you can see what looks pleasing to the eye. Just a thought.

Here is a link that might be useful: Task Lighting - beam spread chart

I suggest you also post over on the Lighting Forum. I don't know how active it is, but you may get some helpful information there as well.

HTH!

Here is a link that might be useful: Forum: Lighting