AHHH.. the lighting debate/issue.. I wish I had some great answer for you, but as you know I am struggling with this myself and continue to struggle. However, I don't think it will be too much/ "visually cluttered" as you said, as long as the lights correspond well with each other and don't block the flow of the room. I am thinking of just getting a plain old chandy (with the candles exposed -not sure if that is the technical way to describe) so it is not blocking the flow of the view to the family room. Recently i visited a local lighting store.. I showed the lighting"expert" who also said she is an interior decorator my pictures of my space. She said she couldn't get an adequate view of the space, the light in question- that big rectangular boat we are removing0, but from what she could see,she didn't feel it was blocking the flow of the room rather creating another "layer" to the room.. Obviously, due to the size of the fixture and location of it, I disagree b/c i do feel it is blocking it, however, I did get what she was saying about adding another visual layer to the room. So to answer your question, I guess my feeling is as long as the fixtures dont' compete with each other, it would just be another "layer" to the room..B When you do figure out your fixtures.. let me know.. maybe you can help me finally figure it all out!!! Good luck! :)

have been thinking about that. How does one go about picking the RIGHT one. what if I hire someone and I hate their ideas or we just don't seem to be on the same page?

I like this for your kitchen. Has cage style but bulb is not exposed which can be bothersome in a kitchen. Can’t beat price. I would need to have measurements of ceiling height? How high is island countertop? Are pendants for island? Photo would really help. I like black in entry and dining room but kitchen you can go brushed or chrome.

So part of the appeal of RH style for me is they incorporate rustic, organic, industrial, or antique elements into a space that is mostly monochromatic but full of textures. Some characteristics of their style are oversized pieces, as large as the space allows. Large artwork over the sofa, often in black or white or an abstract. The largest rug the living room can hold. Statement light fixtures in every room. Natural fibers and neutral tones. Decorative elements that are large but fewer of them on display, often incorporating wood or metal. What about something like this for a coffee table?