I think it's personal preference. With 8' ceilings I would probably just do recessed lights. Plus your island isn't that large. But then do a killer pendant over the dining table.

Would need pics, budget, and vision. Both can be good.

Thanks for the comments.

The wall and old kitchen is still in place but I can post pictures when it is opened up.

I don't have a firm budget for this, our goal is functional/practical, we want it to look nice but does not need to be fancy (does that make sense). It is a modest house with 1100 sq.ft. on the main. The new cabinets will be shaker style.

You need a better kitchen design. Lots of wrong details. Island design and support. Corner treatments. Sink size. Big red flag on cabinet sizes and appliance sizes. No one puts in any less than a 36” fridge anymore. A 33” in a small space, sure. But a 30”? Nope.

Hi Sophie: I love your honesty and direct style!

I attached an older version of the design, many of the things you mentioned have been modified. I can attach the most recent version later this evening but the room itself does not change.

I was able to find some older posts with information on recessed lighting. In one post you mentioned:

• Correctly placed recessed lighting is about 18” on Center from the adjacent wall. That is so that it washes light down the front of the cabinets and lights up the countertop and isn’t behind your head, casting shadows.

In another post you mentioned the under cabinet lights should be installed at the front of the cabinets.

I will use these guidelines to provide sufficient light for working on the perimeter counters. Is there a spacing guideline for the rest of the room? The center of the island will be approximately 5.5' from the first row of recessed lights (approx 7' from wall). Is this appropriate for the island? The same spacing will not work for the table, maybe a fixture is more appropriate there.

Thanks again