It's normal to not be able to look into a recessed light. If the light is too bright, consider adding a dimmer for flexibility. Leviton has a really nice toggle dimmer with tiny touch pads on the sides to adjust the brightness.

David, If I had places to connect four or more orthagonal lines, I would do that. But the trees aren't well-situated for that, and I'm not sure about installing fee-standing poles. They might be a little too intrusive, visually. (If we went with slimmer metal poles, rather than redwood posts, they might not stand out as much. I may need to investigate how strong metal poles would have to be, and how I could get them fabricated.) The cantilevered umbrella system is a clever idea, but I think that would be too big and intrusive for what we have in mind. We have another outlet at the edge of the patio near the table. I suppose we could go with one of those under-umbrella lighting kits that would attach to the ribs of our existing market umbrella and run the cord from beneath the table to the outlet. We were hoping to have lighting that leaves the dining area open to the sky, but that may not be practical.

We like to put one (or more) recessed lights around the island if it includes a work surface (sink or cooktop). The recessed light should be switched separately from the pendants so that it can be turned off when not needed.

IMO first decide on your style and then choose light fixtures. I see no reason to not continue to do contemporary no matter ehre you live color is always easy to add to any decor choice . I sure would not change my preference for contemporary just because I moved .Either of these ideas would work IMO.