The two recessed lights would be fine. However, if you wanted to have a single pendant over the sink, although you aren't a fan of track lighting, you can run a very short track from where you have the electric and then hang a pendant from the track. It is easy enough to do. Check the WAC Lighting website. They have all types of pendants for track lighting and the adaptors for the various types of track (Lightolier, Juno and Halo). Also check out Nora's website. They also have pendants and their track is compatible with Halo. For paulac: I have used this in kitchens where the track is actually on the piece of wood between the cabinets or on the ceiling. Make sure that the lights are small. If you want to be energy efficient, you can even run a fluorescent fixture on the wood strip between the cabinets to get a cooler light. They are making all types of very thin fixtures for this purpose and for undercounter lighting.

Koolforkatz -- I know that florescent lights can be hardwired without a transformer, but they can't be dimmed. Do the zenon lights require a transformer because they are low voltage? Did you install them yourself, or did you have an electrician do them for you? Remodelmama, I am beginning this same decision-making process for our kitchen. I have done some searching online, and I'm intrigued by LED lights. They're more expensive up front, but *much* more energy efficient. That's the pitch, anyway. I found a great website that makes the case for LED, and other environmentally-friendly lighting options. The link is below.... Here is a link that might be useful: Why environmental lights?

Painting not done yet and original unpainted cabinet areas are there to confuse. The one inch - Looks barely noticeable here, and after a second look in person feel same. Anyway will still appreciate any helpful ideas just in case things change once the walls are painted. Thanks for any advice.

I agree that they're not the best combination, but it's still in flux. I've got almost two months before I need to lock anything in. I'll be on the look out for lighting that compliments the island pendants without going for a matching look. I like your feedback on the two smaller recessed lights, I'm going to check if that's possible during my next planning meeting with the builder. I don't think I feel as strongly about going no pendant over the sink, but I do agree that there may be better options. As for the island; It's 34" wide and 66" long. The pendants I have chosen for it are 16" wide and 16" tall. That means there should be 9" of clearance on either side of the island. I'm not sure on how high exactly to hang them but 72-78" from the floor seems like it would make sense. Thanks for all the feedback, I'm definitely no pro when it comes to home design and I really like hearing other opinions. I'm good at picking out what I like, but applying it to an entire room is difficult.