I'd choose a flush mount option.. then, while the builder works on walls etc, I'd go on local E Bay/Etsy and check flush mount lights from mid-century modern period. That was a time of lower ceilings etc. they really thought about how to make these beautiful, as opposite to now. Some lights I saw there were really nice. They were listed also by European sellers so you wouldn't have problem with parts etc. I bought one from an Italian store, and I love it. It's not modern at all. It's very Murano glass heavy)) It wouldn't fit your purposes as you need something flatter and fully covered I believe; but just saying that checking vintage may have sense, in your case. The prices will be better too.

I am in the midst of a remodel and it has turned into a huge mess! Had to fire contractor after 3 months. I had first planned for pendants over the peninsula but in order to hang them centered I could not open the end kitchen cabinet! So, decided on recessed on a separate light switch. I LOVE my pendants so I had the electrician hang it over sink. My kitchen is half done and a mess so the jury is still out. I have a small kitchen opening to great room so the Recess does open the view and make it look bigger. We shall see.

We recently moved into a condo with a long/narrow room that includes a living room at one end and a peninsula kitchen on the other. The kitchen has a pretty wide counter top and lots of stainless steel throughout. We are looking to put our own style into the place and are having a touch time deciding what to do with the lighting. We were thinking of replacing the hanging pendants with something a bit more rustic/farmhouse/industrial, but not sure what to do with the flush mounted light in the center of the room. Would love your recommendations on whether to go to recessed lighting (which is further down the room by the dining and living area), track, hanging, flush, or something else. We are likely going to be swamping out the hanging pendants also and will make a decision on their style once we figure out who to do with the main flush mounted light. Here are some photos which will hopefully help describe what we are working with!

The rule of thumb is to place pendant lights @30-36" apart center to center. depending on the scale and proportion of the island. It would also depend on the size of the pendants. It is not clear where and if there is seating but at first glance, I would not put one over the sink. Is it too late to add any recessed lights?