I think you are referring to monorail lighting. It definitely has a more modern vibe and is not for everyone. The reason I think what you have now does not work well is that the shades are very small/narrow and you probably have lower watt bulbs in them. It looks like you have recessed lighting as well. Is that not working for you as far as lighting the sink/prep side? I can't quite tell, but the spacing may be too far apart for the size--plus it looks like you have tall ceilings and all this has an impact. Do they cast a shadow when someone is working on the prep side? What I'd do is make a scaled drawing of your kitchen with the light fixtures and wattages and take it to a good quality lighting store that helps with lighting design and see what they recommended since you already spent money on one solution that is not working. When we remodeled our kitchen the place I ordered my lighting from did our lighting design. In many cases, their recommendations differed than my electrician's and most cases I went with their recommendations and am very happy that I did. The kitchen forum is another source you can solicit feedback for your lighting problem. I'd love to see something like this in there Here is a link that might be useful: Schoolhouse pendants

Have you looked at something like these? I know they come in a variety of metal colors and sizes. Possibly a stain nickle would work best.

My ceilings are just under 8' and I have a tall husband worried about bumping his head on pendants lol. Our island is 9' long but only 40" wide. We went with clear pendants so visually they weren't intrusive. Played around with how far off the island and found a height that worked for us (my husband). We originally tried the smaller 6" but in the end got the 10" version of these from PB: https://www.potterybarn.com/products/pb-textured-glass-pendant-hood/?catalogId=84&sku=3564536&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Lighting%20%3E%20Pendants&region_id=658780&cm_ite=3564536&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6t6ABhDMARIsAONIYyyT9EKIF7j5Z49P7maicy8XKMtK8CfyevVz58yNd1zpFvaXAbpyPc0aAjk3EALw_wcB

I typically never comment regarding backsplash selections because unless you're in the room with the countertops and ambient light, most suggestions are not on the mark. OK here are some options. You'll think there is no connection with each other but they do provide 'texture' between the upper and lower cabinets. Not sure these colors are on the money, but you'll get the idea. Another option to zhush up your tile selection is to consider a tile in white and then install it with gold metallic grout which will link to your cabinet handles and hardware.