I really like that 3-light fixture you found! You know, if you want to simply change the finish on your existing fixtures you can actually spray paint them. I bought some "oil rubbed bronze" spray paint at Lowe's a couple of years ago and tried painting some bathroom fixtures and it worked. It looked pretty good too! One thing I did notice, though, was that the paint did scratch off on the rod that you take in and out of the toilet paper holder (due to the friction) so I don't really recommended it for something that is going to be handled a lot. But for light fixtures it could work great! On the recessed lights - how many do you have and what is the placement? From the pics I can only see 2 and they appear to be at the perimeter, almost as task lighting over the counter. Do you have undercabinet lighting as well? Right now we have the typical 90's hideous fluorescent tube box right in the middle of our kitchen at that is IT! No task lighting and I'm in my own shadow no matter what I'm doing. In addition to the pendant type lighting over the peninsula we are going to do undercabinet lighting to give good countertop lighting, and so I'm looking for general room lighting in the central fixture. But I do like how recessed lights can look as well. I was just worried about trying to situate a grid of six in my kitchen (to light the whole space) and have it not look random and patchy by the time they worked around floor joists, pipes, other wiring, etc...

Stickley Audi in White Plains has a nice selection of transitional stools. Vista Furniture on Route 59 in Nanuet has a good selection in a less expensive range. I feel your pain. I have been all over Westchester/Rockland/Fairfield counties looking for stools and I can't find a thing-- I'm looking for something more contemporary but not too contemporary-- it's been very difficult. Did you look at Lites Plus in Nanuet for pendants?

I see a couple of other people have already mentioned Barn Light Electric (http://www.barnlightelectric.com), but I too have had a TON of success with them. My husband and I have ordered from them on multiple occasions and they've got a really expansive collection of lighting. Plus it's always free shipping on their website, I'd say it's worth checking out! Also, have you ever looked at Home Decorators Collection (http://www.homedecorators.com/furniture/seating/stools/) for bar stools? I've never ordered stools from them, but I've ordered other things and they're great. Their prices can get a little expensive, but they're always running sales!

You have a junction box, but you can do a multi pendant light that hangs from one base plate. These hang from one base plate and you can adjust each one for the precise height you want. this type concept could work and would give you additional "task" type lighting along with some ambient lighting in this space. Get a dimmer, and if you use Edison bulbs try getting frosted ones so they are not too much glare.