My dining room is very similar to yours. I used four eyeball recessed fixtures so that they can be turned in order to focus the light over the table. Also, I used a different configuration than you describe on your drawing. I have them in a diamond pattern. Oh my gosh--you talk about LIGHT. I'm sure you will have plenty of light. You might think about the advantage of changing the pattern and, maybe, using the eyeballs.

Hi Green Zeus, we've done the eyeball lights before and I'm not crazy about them. Really want to stick with 4" cans.

I'm thinking of perhaps placing two cans centered over the walkway and four cans around the perimeter of the actual dining area minus the walkway for a total of six cans.

My only fear is that it will be too bright.

Jodi-

If it's too bright, just use smaller wattage bulbs.

Since you're still in the "build" mode,you can also consider using CFL's (compact flourescent bulbs) to save energy. If you think the light will be harsh, you can now get CFL's that are dimmable. They are pretty new to the market so you might have to look around for them. You can probably find them more easily online.

I forgot to say this to you yesterday as to WHY the diamond pattern of the lights works better over a table. It pulls the lights in closer to the table so that the entire light wash is directed onto the table. And that's another reason I used the large eyeballs, so that the light is directed onto the table. However, cans would do the same thing if you use the diamond placement.

I think 2 cans in the walkway will be great. I have a large foyer with 2 cans in it. Talk about LIGHT. Good luck with your project!!!!