Thought I would update the thread I started when I was trying to figure out what type of light to get for above the island with an 8 foot ceiling. Well here are some pics. We chose a pendant light we found (Juno onyx) at Design Expo. With our GC's help we got a flat ceiling mount/transformer (the one at the store was more conical) We wanted something with a low profile, because of the 8 ft ceiling. We love it. Thanks to all of you for your invaluable help. Here are some close up pics of the lights.

Compared to a portable fan positioned in each doorway and one on the countertop, how much of an eyesore can a ceiling fan be? I belong to the "function before form" school for design and like fans. On the other hand, I also think that there is a physical intimidation factor if a looming fan is too close over a person, such as at a working peninsula or island in a low ceiling room. I would find a way to go sit on the front step when the fan was on. (Can the fan go somewhere else in the room?) We're pretty "green" yet vetoed a center of ceiling fan because we were installing geothermal heat and cooling, thinking that with windows open on other days, that would suffice. But I really wish I now had a way to gently disperse condensation from winter windows in my climate and if I had pixie wand I would redo my center ceiling lighting to accommodate. In your climate, what is your reason for using the fan--dispersing humidity and heat from items/people below it? Or generally moving the air throughout the kitchen? Or being a substitute air conditioning unit, with the fan on high all the time? I'd decide that first before putting that fan overhead right where you work or read and eat. I was recently at a fan shop that had a fabulous modern-look ceiling fan with a sculptural wood quality, plus a mod globe and matching pendants. Wish I'd seen it much sooner in my project. It takes some looking, but you can find suitable gems for your room. And be sure to read up about size and number of blades so you keep the scale right for the task and the room. People often buy overscale units. An idea--can you wire for the fan just in case you need it later?

waltham_kara what did you end up doing? I have to disagree with the above I have seen tons of examples with low ceilings and pendants that look great.

Your concerns are very valid, and there is absolutely no need to have pendant lighting if you have can lighting there. I'm from a family of tall people and really understand wanting the upper visual space to feel open. Keep the extra light you've added. It's always safer to have extra light than to miss it, and you can put those lights on dimmers to adjust the levels to the need of the moment.