I haven't been too impressed with the quality of lighting fixtures offered at the big box stores. They seem adequate for rental properties, where tenants are likely to damage them in a few years anyway. It's not for everyone, but you might try shopping garage sales in older neighborhoods for fixtures. When young folks buy old houses they often want to "update" them. They then replace high quality 40-60 year old fixtures with big box store junk. A few dollars and a little rewiring, and you have a fixture good for another 40-60 years of service. But I have to admit, you're not too likely to find track lighting this way. :)

IMO there's no "outdated" in lighting. If it works, has fairly decent efficiency, and you like it - who cares what the bloody home magazines say? Of course they're going to blather about what's "in" and what's "out." They're published to sell ads. Their advertisers want you to rip out all your old "outdated" lighting and replace it with new lighting - which will be outdated in another 10 years (if the junk most places sell even lasts that long). That said, I agree that track lights will look silly in an old house. But it's up to you. Completely off topic, I think you have more problems than a dark dining room. What the heck is this guy doing pushing for track lighting if you don't want it? It's your house. Also, and not off topic, do you realize that if he isn't a licensed electrician, it's probably illegal for him to perform electrical work on your home? In most areas, unlicensed homeowners are permitted to work on the wiring of their own, owner occupied homes. They're not allowed to work on others' homes, or on tenant-occupied homes. I say call a pro, and have him or her hang the chandelier or other light fixture that you appeals to you. If you really want something that will look great in that house, I suggest that you try these guys. PS - welcome to the old house club! They're always a lot of work, and always worth it.

Bump

Thx!!!!! It’s a second home, so seasonal only. Not done painting either. I would love pendants, so I’ll do a pendant over the sink. Otherwise, due to the ceiling being wood paneling, my husband does not want a patch job on the ceiling from moving a few junction boxes. Also there is no access to an attic to put in recessed. I will do under cabinet lights. The track light will not be on the beams. I think I should do white, so they just blend in?