Check out the "new to garden web discussion" for directions on how to post pictures. I signed up for photo bucket and it is pretty easy to link to photos and get the html to insert photos into your posts (described in the "new to garden web" discussion). I like the look of a different finish on an island but it really depends on the finishes and how they compliment one another (as well as the counter tops.) But I also think an all white kitchen can be simple and beautiful. I worried a bit about a different color island being a fad, but I have been seeing it in magazines for at least the last 10 years AND more importantly I really like it so I took the plunge :) The best advice I continue to receive on GW is to look through your inspirational photos, the finished kitchen blog & houzz for kitchens you love and see how you can bring that look into your home. If you love kitchens with a white perimeter cabinets and a fun colored island, great. Or white with a stained island. Some on GW are firm about sticking with 3 major finishes - i.e. two cabinet and one counter or one cabinet two counters - but I think the key is how they all come together. I have two finishes and two counters, but both of the counters are gray (one more solid and one gray and white) so I think it works. Also, I find when one of your finishes is either white or black (love a black and white kitchen) that can give you more flexibility with multiple finishes. There are so many beautiful white kitchens in GW, online and mags. I am sure you can find one to inspire you. Here is a link that might be useful: New to Garden Web Discussion

I will stop by the house tonight and see if they are hung yet. Hopefully this week sometime. I initially wanted the pebble shape too! I don't know what changed my mind, bc I felt this one was too school-house looking at first. But I made a couple mockups and just felt like this one went better. IDK lol, I'm making it up as I go haha. I also got the flush mount for over our sink. I went with the brass too to mix it up and am using brushed brass hardware on my island. Faucet is chrome. Everything else is ORB- perimeter cabinet hardware and doorknobs, etc. One thing I didn't realize is the metal rod is only like 1-foot long and the rest is a gold rope. Look at the picture of the canopy closely and you will see. I'm hoping it doesn't look stupid bc I'm keeping them. They were on sale several months ago but haven't been since. Sign up with an email and you will get a one-time use coupon code for 15% off. It's a ONE TIME use though. I had to use 2 different emails. :)

IMO Edison bulbs in any fixture are useless lighting not to mention the yellow glow they cast on everything. Look for fixtures that are LED bulbs in 4000K The rest of your house has a glam look so maybe some small chandelier type fixtures might work.

Symmetry is overrated and only noticed from one exact spot in your room. I think island pendants should be centered on the island and not be affected by other chandeliers/pendants in nearby spaces. With 8ft ceilings you can also skip pendants over the island, but you will need recessed lights in their place. I didn't have pendants in my last kitchen and won't have any in my next kitchen, and I have much higher ceilings.