Your kitchen sounds unbelievably tasteful! No need to think twice on the Clemson in PN. Nickel has a warmth that will look so nice with the other rich warm finishes (the wood island top, the copper.) An 8' island is pretty substantial. You're right that the 8" pendants will be way to dinky (my words, not yours.) I actually work part time for Restoration Hardware. Clemson - nice choice! I don't think the 14" will be too big. For reference, look at the Clemson double-pendant. It's 2 of the 14" pendants, but mounted to a single fixture that's only 36" wide. Now imagine only 3 feet of your 8 foot island having coverage under the span of that fixture. I think you can use 3 of the 14" without a problem. The look will certainly be dramatic, but better this than having the pendants disappear. My kitchen is under construction now and it's also 8' long. However, we cut a corner off to give it an asymmetrical shape and provide seating for folks who can see each other. I considered the Clemson double, but eliminated it from the running because I want more than 36" of coverage. RH doesn't make other multi-pendant fixtures, so I have to shop outside the fold. Here is a link that might be useful: Our Bungalow Remodel Blog

We don't know the dimensions of the space, so it's difficult to give you any really useful advice -- we're guessing! So, please post a sketch with the dimensions, preferably wall-to-wall, not cabinet-to-cabinet. If you cannot do wall-to-wall, then to/from the items that stick out the farthest...things like appliance handles, counter edges, walls, etc. One thing I will note is that a 24" or 27" deep counter is barely usable for prepping b/c you have to worry about things falling off the back. I have that on one of my peninsulas and I don't like prepping there for that reason. Perimeter counters work b/c you have a wall behind them to stop things from falling. In the meantime, the following Kitchens Forum FAQ might help: FAQ: Aisle Widths, Walkways, Seating Overhangs, Work/Landing Space etc https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5500771/faq-aisle-widths-walkways-seating-overhangs-work-landing-space-etc [Taken from the "Read Me" thread]

Half the 72” 36” island pendant should work.

I included other photos to show what other people have done in their space.