I think I would rather install recessed lights in the ceiling throughout the kitchen instead of pendants over the peninsula.

Not sure about expense of recessed in an older home. Perhaps best left if you ever gut kitchen. If reno is in the future, I'd hold off on lighting. If not perhaps a flush mount? I see other inexpensive updates I could offer, but don't want to overstep the mark!

A gut job is not in the near future. Thanks for the ideas

An electrician should be able to install a few aftermarket recessed can lights. Just use the 4" cans. I have those in my 8' ceiling and it's plenty of light.