What about those clear glass globe-style pendants? that might help keep the lights from being "shaded" if the glass is clear (as in, not frosted) to keep the area as bright as possible.

the pendants are all wrong for what you need, and how you have them placed. No single pendant lights.

is there anyway you could add recessed lighting over the cabs and do a single type of pendant over you island?

if doing recessed isn't an option (future goals) Then look for 2 semi-flush mount lights with multiple bulbs. you want something that can take 75-100W. (also, adaptable for sloped ceilings)

two of these would give you some nice light in there.

Personally, I'd like something with LED bulbs.

https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/wade-logan-badilla-4-light-semi-flush-mount-wdln1768.html

this one takes 3-60 watt bulbs. You may be able to substitute for a LED 75w equivalent.

https://www.lampsplus.com/products/possini-euro-memphis-13-and-three-quarter-inchw-brushed-nickel-ceiling-light__39w90.html

not these Edison bulbs, as these are very dim and yellow. you can get LED bulbs and use them in these fixtures instead of the lower light Edisons.

same with this one. switch out the bulbs to something in the 4000K temperature.

https://www.lampsplus.com/products/bellis-14-and-one-half-inch-wide-brushed-nickel-3-light-ceiling-light__39w79.html

Lamps plus carries lights like this is you want a bit more glam

Possini crystal cube

https://www.lampsplus.com/products/hemingson-20-and-three-quarter-inch-wide-bronze-8-light-led-ceiling-light__8y693.html

you could also try something like this from Quoizel 14" semi flush (Amazon)

If you want something longer, then do a pendant w/multiple heads (notice the slope adapter)

Thank you! This is the current situation...those globe pendants were a good idea in my head but they turned out terrible! I like the idea of flush mount since these aren't over the island at all.

what globe pendant were those?

I like the triple light option i posted. what do you think of those? #3,5, 8

something like these track styles would also work

Try changing your light bulbs, if they are 40 watt try 60 watt or higher.

HU,62,,,,,she has two pendants for the entire kitchen. changing them from 40 to 60 isn't going to do squat. they are the wrong light fixtures for what she needs. Pendants like that are meant for directional/task lighting, not for lighting the area over her sink , or casting light about the entire kitchen.

^^ You are so right!! I learned that the hard way! :( Would flush mount work since they would be at an angle?

This is almost identical to the two I bought: https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/breakwater-bay-doster-1-light-globe-pendant-bkwt6299.html

Different manufacturer, however.

Beth you are amazing!!! This helps tremendously.