Do you have a picture of the space? That might help.

Have you considered monorail or track lighting? There is a lot of very cool stuff available. I think three small lights over an 8 foot span of counters is a good distance. Three is always a good number, too, it will help to create the illusion of having a longer space.

For instance:
http://www.lightology.com/index.cfm/method-light.store_profile/sku-1200MO-3BIZKIT-096I1-CLSN/dept-Monorail%20&%20Kable/szdept_label-

Or 'budget jack' lighting:

http://www.lightology.com/index.cfm/method-light.store_profile/sku-0215FJ-ZUMIFRE-002H1-GRBR/dept-Freejack/szdept_label-Freejack

The picture you posted looks fairly rustic -- is that the look you're going for?

My kitchen is a natural maple, raised panel door style with antique nickel hardware. Currently I am lacking lighting, granite (templated but not yet arrived), appliances, sink and backsplash all waiting for granite so a picture would not show a lot. It is about 17 feet long with cupboards along one wall (to the ceiling) and and an island running parallel to the cupboards. I wanted a fixture with a little 'oomph'. It appears that a lot of the pendants just hang down too far (we are a tall family), so I need to keep lighting no lower than 21 inches from the ceiling. Am considering track lighting, but the look is a little more modern than what I really want.

Hi Erica,

I've been having the same dilemma, except my ceiling is even lower, 7 1/2 feet. DH is over 6'1", so I don't want low hanging pendants that he's going to feel like are in his face every time he's standing at the island.

That fixture you linked is nice, but I think they may be too large. My island is 42" x 12 feet, and I'm thinking about getting 3 of these semi-flush fixtures:

{{!gwi}}

Good luck!

Erika

Erikanh,
I have an 8' ceiling and 3 sons-in-law all over 6'. I love the fixture you pictured. Do you mind sharing where you found it? I think it will work well for me. Thanks

Linda

Of course! It's a Hudson Valley lighting fixture, and I know Bellacor and CSNLighting sell it. I'm going to hunt around for who has the lowest price and has it in stock.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bellacor

Hi erikanh !
Is that the hanover fixture by Hudson Valley?

Yes, it is I linked you to the product page above. ^