"The pendant electrical fixtures were roughed in prior to our finalizing our location and size of the island." Better luck next time. I never use pendant lighting because someone always moves the island or makes it the wrong size. I also don't like lighting hanging in front of my face. You could remove the offending pendants and install some remodel type recessed pin spots.

We have some recessed lighting, are adding in lights in our lighted uppers, under cabinet lighting, over the sink lighting, all in addition to the pendants so I think we will be OK if they only light up the island. Since we are going with darker cabinets I was paranoid about it looking to dark so fingers crossed that I will have enough lighting! Question though, I have been looking mostly at nickel/chrome finishes figuring it would match the faucet, appliances, and cabinet hardware. Then I had a big "aha" moment when I walked into the kitchen and glanced at the ceiling fan in the attached eat in are with an oil rubbed bronze finish. We have the exact same ceiling fan in the family room, which is visible, but not completely open to the kitchen. I hadn't planned on replacing them. So...they have the same option in oil rubbed bronze (unfortunately for about $30 more), would that look ok with my finishes? or should I consider sticking with nickel/chrome and just changing out the ceiling fan instead? My cabinets are cherry stained med/dark, so the oil rubbed bronze would tie in with them, color wise. Boy, I am really tired of making decisions! Just when I think I am narrowing things down another pops up!

Stickley Audi in White Plains has a nice selection of transitional stools. Vista Furniture on Route 59 in Nanuet has a good selection in a less expensive range. I feel your pain. I have been all over Westchester/Rockland/Fairfield counties looking for stools and I can't find a thing-- I'm looking for something more contemporary but not too contemporary-- it's been very difficult. Did you look at Lites Plus in Nanuet for pendants?

Sorry it took me a while to get back..was out of town. The paint in the dining room is a soft white, not bright, more like a vanilla. Here is the floor. The floor in the dining room is hardwood oak. Also, I think I might like these for over the counter lights. See the link below. Or these - see this link. http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1870136&cm_ps=modal_add_to_cart-_-none-_-other_items_you_may_like&categoryId=cat1701013 Here is a link that might be useful: possible light