I would go with the satin nickel and the schoolhouse on the top right which to me straddles the line perfectly between vintage and contemporary.

I agree on either one of the schoolhouse lights. The bottom middle might be glare-y and the top middle seems too slight. Seems to me that the bottom schoolhouse one would want a larger space than the top one to look its best (if that makes sense, don't know how big your space is.) The sink won't really be a factor when it is all installed (beautiful sink btw).

When you look at pics, do you react more to the contrast of dark hardware or the soft gleam of the nickel? I fell hard for the gleam, that is why I got it even though I quite like dark against light cabinets.

I vote for the clear pendant on the bottom (full disclosure - I have clear pendants in my kitchen). IMO the schoolhouse pendants say "traditional" and the only one that says "transitional" is the top and bottom one. I don't personally like the top one but I do like the bottom one. I have 3 clear pendants over my island and I have not been bothered by "glare."

funny- I went through the exact same thing as you. Also have white shaker cabinets and I was really attracted to schoolhouse lights but was hoping to do something a little more modern with my lighting. I felt "so confused" too. I can't tell you what to do but I can tell you what I did- I went with the schoolhouse, but I chose a shade that has more simple clean lines and therefore can read a little more modern to me. Just put this pic in a reveal but here I go again...

Anyway they live in the same space as a much more modern light that I have over my table and the two styles seem at peace with each other.

Got the pendants and shades at Schoolhouse Electric.

Oh and I agree that nickel is the way to go if you want to keep things more transitional. I really like dark hardware with white cabinets but definitely think it leans much more vintage.

Thanks for all your comments it really helps. I'm definitely going with the nickel. My dh wanted the nickel also. As for the lights I think I'm gonna buy the two favorites and see how they look in the space once it's done. I still cannot make up my mind. Decisions decisions...

I like the bottom middle light--the one with the clear shade. I would call it a transitional design whereas schoolhouse lights always read vintage to me.

I agree with ci_lantro but I do like the bottom right schoolhouse. I feel the nickel shine makes it seem more modern maybe?