I think if you post a 2 dimensional, to scale (and with dimensions) picture of your layout, folks on here will be able to help.

Thanks! I added the only layout schematic I have. Unfortunately it doesn't show the soffit, since it's just the designer's mock-up. To augment the information there, the soffit is about 31" deep. It's 6' from the back wall (where cabinets and appliances will go) to the edge of the soffit, which is roughly where the inner edge of the island will be too. And it's about 14' of interior ceiling space (i.e., from the edge of that soffit on the left, where the old dining table fixture is, to the front right corner of the angled soffit on the right).

Unfortunately that's everything I have. Hope this makes things more helpful and not more confusing. :)

Yup, the cabinets are ordered. There actually wasn't really any other (economical) way to arrange the appliances given the plumbing situation and the building requirement of using the existing ducts to vent the range and OTR microwave. The sink and dishwasher could have been swapped had I gone with a smaller refrigerator, but that's about it. This building is a little bit of a mess. Believe me, if I had my preferences, we would be talking about a very different layout!

I thought I'd add one more bit of detail. I went to a professional lighting shop yesterday, and their recommendation was to put in two tracks that are perpendicular to each other. I can definitely see the appeal of that, although I worry about "dead" spots too.

In any event, I would welcome suggestions and thoughts!

Do I understand rightly -- you only have 2 spots that you can hang fixtures, where the current lights are?

I think your chosen mini pendants are beautiful. I don't think that you should combine them with track lights in such a small space. I tend to think of track lighting as a design element too and worry it might be too much. However, if they can be placed up into the edges of that cove formed by the soffit and not really visible, they might work. Or, would it make the ceiling in the kitchen too low to enclosed that space so you can have recessed lighting?

Hi—thanks for chiming in! Yes, you have it exactly right. It’s a concrete ceiling, and there are holes in only two places with wiring. We actually removed those hideous two fixtures today. They won’t be missed. :)

Unfortunately, recessed lighting isn’t an option because the ceiling is concrete, so no matter what, the fixtures have to protrude somewhat. Your concern about track lighting being too much is exactly the same one I have. On the other hand, I feel like putting two “standard” flush overhead fixtures would make it really obvious that the space used to be a separate kitchen and dining room, and therefore wouldn’t look very cohesive in the new layout. Maybe the issue is that I just haven't found the right fixtures--track or flush mount?

I think you need to get some track lighting (as it seems your only option) that does not scream look at me. Something that will take less of the stage in all of your wonderful details.

Have you thought about one of the suspended cable lighting systems? It might be a cleaner and more modern look than track lighting. One example.

Do you have any place to mount chrome swing arm sconces? Like these:

Faux recessed lights?

http://www.maxlite.com/products/faux-can

faux beams with lights (except recessed instead of spot)?

http://ana-white.com/2012/01/plans/beams-light

These were posted on another thread -- maybe would work for you?

Pixi Flat Panel lights