Though my kitchen layout is different, it's similar in terms of size and lighting needs. I'm going with two pendants over the peninsula (a little larger than your island); however, I don't like "ceiling clutter", and (in both you layout and mine) I think another pendant over the sink could be just that: Clutter. I currently have a simple cornice (not shaped, just a plain board) over the sink, which hides a florescent light. Works fine, the bulbs last forever, and the light is essentially "invisible". I'm going with the same thing over my new sink -- mine'll be more simple than these examples.

Jess, Love it! I think you definitely made the right choice to omit the island pendants! We are still leaning toward no island pendants as well. I already said this above, but, there will be a breakfast nook at the end of the island and a dining table along the front side... and I want a big George Nelson bubble saucer light probably over the dining table and something else hanging above the nook table. I think that'll be enough hanging lights in that open room! I also don't want to take away from the view out the windows in the nook. Who knows, we may change our minds, but my husband says he will support my "No island pendants" choice if that is what I want. I will come back and post a pic of what we finally end up going with!

Hi. Holly. You see preventing lighting from getting too much is really simple. Your kitchen and dinning seems to be an open plan type. First know how much brightness is recommended for a kitchen. I did the research and wrote a full article at lightingglow .com it is around 150 - 200 lumens per square meter which means 18 lumens per square feet. Simply measure to the total square feet area of your dinning and kitchen and multiply it with 18 you will get the recommended brightness for kitchen area. after you have your lumens calculated see much lumens a individual pendant is emitting. it is printed on the description of bulb. Add all the lumens and match it with recommended brightness. If you further need help you can always check the detailed answer on lightingglow. Thanks.

I like 3 too. 24 sounds really large. I'd prob do 18. you don't want the entire area above the island overtaken w/that umbrella-like fixture! 30-32" apart, and at least 12" from the edge. I'd say 18 is good or, you could do two of the 24"