Your contractor's layout is preferable, though moving the lights closer to the counter tops would be fine - between 24" - 30". If you use lights like the Cree CR4 or CR6, there will be sufficient spillover to augment the light from the pendants over the island in the center of the room. If the pendants provide insufficient light, they can be swapped out/ higher output led lamps may be used. Rationale The counter tops will be better lit with UCL than cans. Even if you do have the ability to put can lights over the counter tops, the distance to the counter top reduces the amount of incident light. There should be sufficient distance from the crown molding around the upper cabinets to the cans so that the trim can be fit and look properly spaced. A more regular pattern is preferable as it isn't like a random pattern of holes in cheese. Eyeball cans are more troublesome in the long run. The final location of the cans will be determined by the layout of the ceiling joists as well as obstructions above the ceiling board. There has been ample discussion on the DIY led recessed lighting guide for kitchens thread on this topic

Rachel Halas Thanks for above info - we are going to remove the ceiling fixture that is shown in photo - so there will only be recessed. Should we return the 6" we have and get 8 of the 4"? Four in the corners and then four placed symmetrically around center of room? **************************************** Personally, I would keep the ceiling fixture box and put up a more decorative ceiling fixture-- also keeping it on it's own line so it can be dimmed. A recessed can dead center of the room really doesn't work unless it's over something like a table. If you were to swap out ceiling light for a can, I would have an eyeball fixture so that it can be directed towards art over sofa or art above fireplace so future homeowners have that option if they don't want a TV there. IMO, I wouldn't mix can sizes. Also, if you go w/LED, make sure they're dimmable.

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lol, if you are going to put in recessed lighting, I would go the extra step and remove the popcorn, its pretty quick and painless these day and this room is fairly isolated so it would be a good starting point. hang a fixture over the table replace the fixture in the kitchen with recessed.