I would find out why you can't have a recessed light there. Maybe if you pay extra they will do it. If not, I would try to make it decorative, and would look for one that hangs down a few inches rather than using a ceiling mount. There are lots of examples here that show a hanging sink light that coordinates with the pendents. You could even use your pendent light on a shorter wire.

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A recessed light (canned light) should be easy for the builder. Offer to pay a little extra to get it or, you may have to do it after you move in. Otherwise, a hanging pendant similar to your others would work.

I bet it's because the joist is right there. they do make super thin recessed lighting, meant for studs.

If that's not the problem, then what is it? because he already has the electrical right there w/the current light. i don't understand why he can't put in the thin recessed.

any type of pendant will look weird if it's not directly over or in front of (closer to the window) the sink.

you may be able to do something like the school light type of lights

if you still can't do the recessed and the light isn't over the sink (i can't tell from your photo angle), then patch and fill the hole. no light. have him put in another recessed light elsewhere if you need more light. or, do a sconce over the window.

Recessed lights shouldn't be a problem, but you probably don't want to just do recessed lights throughout, because it isn't very visually interesting. You want something that is functional, and that enhances the decor. Ideally, look for something that doesn't block the window. A wall-mount downlight would be nice. If it is in your budget, something like this would look great.

The super thin recessed light Beth showed is what we used everywhere and it is awesome. But one reason it may not work is that if they used that light fixture box as a junction box ... that was the case in our hall so we used a super low profile light that honestly reminds me a bit of a shower light. Recessed wasn't an option because there was so much running through that box. The shower-looking light is an improvement over the rusting boob-light so I'm happy with the outcome :)

A wall mounted over the window or a can. Whatever you do, do not choose the light you are showing in the show home.

You could easily do a pendant light, recessed light, or a flush mount. Here are some options from designs we did that might help.

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They make “pancake” LED lights that look recessed but fit inside a J box. We’ve bought ours at Home Depot and they are Commercial Electric brand. Very inexpensive.

That is odd.... something else must be going on there... Personally I totally prefer the wall sconces over the window especially on higher ceilings. It brings the light closer to where you need it. Also make sure you are investing in undercabinet lighting. From a design point of view, I would suggest moving the stove to the right otherwise when someone is at the stove and at the sink they will be bumping into each other...

Congrats on the new house!!

I have a pendent light over my sink....and over the peninsula two more just like it.

Just an update on what we ended up going with - We went with 2 slate gray 16" wide pendants for the island, and a round clear glass pendant over the sink. During the electrical phase of the build we will figure out the exact heights to hang with but I really like the look of a pendant hanging over the sink and the clear glass will keep it from blocking out natural light.

For the clear glass pendant, we will swap in a modern style bulb to replace the Edison bulb that is included.

Whatever. But hate to say, they don't marry too well .Also, your island is only 30 inches deep. This means those island pendants will be a 7 inches set back from the long sides of island. You will need to hang em high........or you are short and your guest are too.....or you hang with a clearance of 78 from the floor to the bottom of the pendant. About 6 inches higher than "normal" but a head banger unless you do that.

Or the thirty inches is a typo......and you mean 36 "Still.........hang them a bit high.

TWO four inch recessed over the window, one either side of the obstructing joist........under cabinet lighting. Anything but the hanging pendant. Guaranteed when up, you will not be happy. : ( and you WILL be back here.

I agree that they're not the best combination, but it's still in flux. I've got almost two months before I need to lock anything in. I'll be on the look out for lighting that compliments the island pendants without going for a matching look.

I like your feedback on the two smaller recessed lights, I'm going to check if that's possible during my next planning meeting with the builder. I don't think I feel as strongly about going no pendant over the sink, but I do agree that there may be better options.

As for the island; It's 34" wide and 66" long. The pendants I have chosen for it are 16" wide and 16" tall. That means there should be 9" of clearance on either side of the island. I'm not sure on how high exactly to hang them but 72-78" from the floor seems like it would make sense.

Thanks for all the feedback, I'm definitely no pro when it comes to home design and I really like hearing other opinions. I'm good at picking out what I like, but applying it to an entire room is difficult.

Change both. At 16 inches diameter, and a 66 inch island?

66" - 9" at each end for head clearance, minus the total 32 that the pendants take up? Means the pendants will be 16 inches apart. also TOO CLOSE. Also not proportionally pretty.

You need to re select to something no more than 10/12 inches diameter. Or do a 30 inch linear style single light

https://www.circalighting.com/agnes-small-pendant-arn5350/

https://www.arteriorshome.com/mason-small-pendant

The point here is you're resistant to what needs to happen over the sink. Perhaps you don't have a builder who is even remotely creative . Nobody here can convince you that two FOUR inch recessed ( one either side of the joist ) would allow your island pendant to dominate and look great. You'd have better lighting over the sink. And your builder/electrician is remiss n not suggesting it. The designer you clearly don't have , to help and guide you, would tell you what I just told you.

I know I'm kinda out in left field on this topic, but I like the old-fashioned look of a wooden valance between two cabinets ... something like this:

Something I've learned about myself in prepping for our build is that I dislike "ceiling clutter" (that includes recessed lights), and too many pendants /multiple types of pendants can quickly become "ceiling clutter".

Jan is right. You need TWO lights over the sink, not one. Otherwise you'll have deep, harsh shadows while you're working there. You want even lighting in all work spaces.

Nobody uses fluorescent lights in kitchens any more, and for good reason.

I appreciate all the feedback, and I'm going to see about getting two 4" recessed lights put in above the sink. I have a meeting with my builder this Wednesday, and I'm sure they'll be okay with either splitting the joist or doing a low profile recessed can there.

I think the reason I'm so hung up on the over sink pendant is because I have an open floor plan with exclusively recessed lights on the first floor (outside of these pendant lights). I know that ceiling clutter can look bad, but a barren ceiling can be very bland and boring too.

I figured I'd attach a picture of the lighting plan to better show what I mean.