Look for "schoolhouse" style fixtures. They work in farmhouse, vintage, AND 40s kitchens. You can spend as much or as little as you want. I'd get one on a chain for over the table and maybe one on a "stem" over the sink.

Thanks, I like the look of a "schoolhouse" fixture, especially the ones with stripes! but the electrics for the main light fixture aren't centred where the table will go which is slightly off to one side. The kitchen layout is pretty awkward with 4 doors. The light is exactly in the centre of the room and right between the opening of the fridge and oven I think if the light is too low it might feel too low for someone taller, I'm also considered that maybe if the fixture is too low maybe the room will be darker. but I don't know if that's true?

IMO school house fixtures would not provide enough light . If you are not doing pot lights then to honestly get proper lighting in that space you will need a track light. Center lights in kitchens create shadows everywhere . Get a fixture that you can choose LED bulbs in daylight color which is between 3500-5000K range.Get a single head fixture over the sink that matches the track. I am curious to know why your old fixture always burned out / I would want to find out what is going on with the electrical

Thanks Patricia for your practical advice! I of course want my space to be pretty but if I can't see what I'm cooking it's pointless and I have been unsure how much light the more attractive fittings will throw.

Our old light had a strange sort of hollow rectangular shaped light bulb. That is what the fixture required and according to the electrician it would keep burning out very quickly and would cost more than the fixture to replace.

Do you think it would look strange to put in a track lighting fixture for the main light in the centre of the room and something like a schoolhouse light or other pendant style over the sink? or would that look to awkward together in a small space? thanks I really appreciate your advice.