i like several pendants from ballard designs. also the ones on the site horchow are really unique, though they are quite pricey. Here is a link that might be useful: ballard designs pendants

Sorry all - I let this thread slip through the cracks while I've been busy or else concentrating on other things! Profrip - The middle of the room pendant that i have now isn't meant to be anything too permanent. I do love that disc/flying saucer look - whether it's turn of century or 1950's diner. I guess it reminds me of the funky huge red one my mom had in our bright yellow and red and orange Matisse-inspired kitchen in the 1970's! But that particular pendant in my kitchen was cheap and too modern (not that I mind inexpensive)! So am I correct to assume then that the general idea is that if you have a pendant or two above the sink, it's generally good to have recessed in the center of the room or else the opposite? Generally speaking? I wish I knew how long I'll keep that pot hanger in the center of the room above the island. I know most people don't do that now but it IS very convenient. I thought I could get rid of it and get the wall pot hanger style to put next to my stove, thereby freeing up the center of the room more...but if I move the stove where I might move it, there will no longer be a wall just to the side of it as there is now...in which case the pot hanger would have to go on the wall behind the counter to the right of the stove which I imagine would mean I'd have to reach over a ways? Plus another convenience of it being in the center of the room is that it's close to the sink for filling w/ water. Those w/ pot-filling faucets wouldn't have to worry about that, obviously, but I don't have one! Where did they put pots in 1913 I wonder? On an open shelf? On a wall hanger? I know a few hundred years ago they went over the island. It sounds like talking to a real lighting person would be a good idea for your space. Have you done that since you last posted here? Thank you for the warm welcome to NYC! :) I somehow believe you that New Yorkers would be perfectly nice to strangers. Well, what do I know! I love your description of your earliest memories of it. Someday...I'm determined...someday! As for that last link you posted: I think those lights are kid of strange! The row of them in the background is just a bit odd to me - but there are some things I really like about that kitchen. EVERY SINGLE TIME I see wooden counters I drool. I love the look of American cherry but it's too soft, and all the hard woods I could find were either too light to me or else too red - or else too stripy - or both. The nice brown woods w/ just a hint of red/orange, e.g. Pacific Madrone, are too stripy.

Checked out Hubbardton Forge, nice stuff, not exactly the right sizes or colors. But a very nice line. While at Lamps Plus I did see the Kichler Montara Collection 24 1/2" Wide Pendant light with umber glass. It's a bit old world and might have to be shortened but the price was certainly right! I've also seen ONLINE this porcelain fixture, but I hate to buy something like this sight unseen! I have about 114" from the beam to the floor and a pendant will spread the light better as well as look better mounted on the beam. That leaves about 7 ft from the floor and this will/should sit over the large square glass/wood coffee table. Here is a link that might be useful: Fixture choice

I should have added that we have recessed lights all around for functional lighting and under cabinet lights for accents. This would be to adding some visual interest. We can make these recessed too if that makes sense though!