I am doing a kitchen remodel which will increase our kitchen size (going from galley style to a U-shape with an island. Proposed layout from the cabinet builder is attached (I penciled in the bar top and I put circles where the cans approximately will fall). The island is sized to be 64" x 83" -- a prep sink in one corner and seating (15" knee spacing) on opposite sides of the sink. This puts the bar top off center of the bases. My wife has a preference of a particular 6" pendant. My questions are: 1) Do I install 2 or 3 pendants? (two looks too far apart for the 6" pendants -- three looks too close together at times to me) 2) Do I put the pendants on center of the bar top or on center of the base? Center of the base will put the pendants on the kitchen/food prep side, but I worry about symmetry. Your thoughts and recommendations are appreciated! If you need additional information or have thoughts outside of the two questions, I would appreciate them! Thank you!

I agree, if you can install for a 3rd light, I think those sizes would work. If you have only 2 sockets, then I would do a pendent that is about 21 to 24" like below, with about a 30" space between. Good luck!

We like to put one (or more) recessed lights around the island if it includes a work surface (sink or cooktop). The recessed light should be switched separately from the pendants so that it can be turned off when not needed.

I really love your 3rd option with the 2 lanterns. I wouldn't worry about it looking stark in there and having a big contrast with the black. It may look that way now, but you don't have any furniture in there yet or accessories. Take a few cues from the photos below. Make sure to implement more warm wood tones or natural fibers such as wood or seagrass stools and a tray or basket on the island. Faux or real greenery, wood cutting boards leaning against the backsplash, a vase filled with your wooden spoons. These small details will really warm the room up! Congrats!