6' is fine for spaces which don't require as much lighting. If you intend to have both the Ucl and recessed lighting on simultaneously, the recessed lighting may be altered. A higher ceiling requires more light output, so it may help to use higher output CR6 lamps instead of those sold at HD. It might be helpful asking the designer how he arrived at the design and why.

For your kitchen, I would do a rug like you have drawn out. That said, I can testify DD2 had a killim in her last house/kitchen. Even with a rug pad, it did not want to stay down. They are not heavy rugs, and tend to "walk" and move about. I would suggest something heavier than your etsy rug. We've had rugs in our kitchen for decades. When the children all at home (and cats/dog), I had a printed sisal (ordered from Ballard Design). Also had one under the breakfast room table. No issues. Easy spill clean up and vacuuming a breeze. Last house, I decided no rugs in the kitchen, but used Soumak rug in laundry room (and many other rooms). Flat weave rugs, are virtually indestructible, and they stay down. Liquids bead, so easily cleaned. This includes cat vomit. :D Check Kalaty website (then shop around), as they make odd sizes some manufacturers do not make. I have three nice rugs in our current kitchen. 3 dogs, 2 cats and 2 grandchildren, but DH is my mess maker (arthritis). I have been buying rug pads from Rug Pad USA for years. There is a great buying guide to help get the right pad for your floor and rug types. They also custom cut to size. (Have you ever tried cutting a nice rug pad with scissors?!) BTW, for pet or food stains, keep the small bottles of club soda on hand. Get up spill/whatever as much as you can with a spoon (lifting it off, not getting it deeper). Then use the spoon to put just enough club soda to cover the spill. The bubbling lifts the spill to the surface, then firmly blot with paper towels. If needed, repeat. I usually put aluminum foil between rug and rug pad, so the rug pad (and flooring) doesn't get wet. This method has been great to remove cat vomit stains from the rugs in our current home (not just the kitchen). Replace top and shake bottle. Store in refrigerator until needed again, but if it doesn't bubble the next time you use, toss and open a new bottle. (Hence, buy the small 6 pack of club soda).

Transparent rug? Is that like those clear plastic protectors that go under office desk chairs? I'm off to paint some flower on mine and will send in my patent in on Monday! 😄 Jinx, I have a rug from Claremont! We spent a few hours at both their showrooms, in the San Francisco area, a few years ago. The photos don't do the rugs justice and the owner and employees were very knowledgeable and friendly.

what else are you doing. ...the granite is not right. maybe crisp white counters . backsplash will need something to work w it also. If you have some sort of chandeliers or bright brass sconces...maybe mirrors on a wall.... an etagere for wine and crystal stuff..... that's what I see this is leading into. it's a bit "caution to the wind" but I wont object necessarily....makes me think ...what else is going to happen here....and that can be okay. Clive Christian English Regency if you are really taking this somewhere: