In my opinion, I would use the recessed lighting and other layered lighting that is in your plan. I would not add a centered light. I think you will have a cleaner, more contemporary look without the additional light. I put recessed lighting in two kitchens and was extremely happy with the result. If you feel more light is needed, you could always add additional recessed lighting in center of the wider room.

I was looking for something a bit more plain... with no betal visible... just a glass hockey puck type thing. I also like a few of the Artemide lights but they are so expensive - does anyone know where to get them more cheaply?

Thanks Cheerpeople. :) I went out to the new house and they were painting, so it was looking like a "real" house now, which gave me a much better perspective. Armed with tape measure and my circle of cardboard, I determined the diameter is fine. But as justgotabeme was saying, what surrounds it makes a difference. The lights would be next to a short wall from the ceiling because the room behind it has pony walls and open walls. But the "pony" wall continues at the ceiling and comes down 17" ish. That means the semi-mount fixture would hang almost as low as the end of that wall, and I'm afraid it will look too crowded. So I think the flush-mount is the way to go. I really do like the semi-flush one, but this area is adjacent to the foyer, which is going to have two very large chandeliers, and I don't want it to be so completely busy with multiple conflicting hanging fixtures that compete with each other! Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the help.

RL Relocation - Thanks, been looking for a pendant, but haven't come across one yet that is short enough and also relates to the sconce. suezbell- Thanks for taking the time to look at my post. I don't think I would have ever come up with either of those options. Creative approaches which I will definitely keep in mind. Thanks. again.