I had recessed lights above my sink before I remodeled and I really liked them. I kept them over the sink ( just spread them out a bit) after the remodel. I also think it depends on how high your ceilings are. I like the look of pendents over the sink, but I think you have to have the height for them to look right. I had to work around a bulkhead so my ceiling height was limited. do you have a pic of the space or has the work not started yet?

Thanks for your input, Lily. Work hasn't begun, but while the ceilings won't be that high, there will be a pitched ceiling, with the peak directly over the sink. I've been concerned about too many hanging lights -- 2 over the island, 1 over the table in my breakfast nook and then another one over the sink. Worried it's overkill.

I am not great at visualizing without photos, but I can understand not wanting too many hanging lights. You could do recessed over the sink for lots of light ( I have to have lots of light) and then maybe one scone on either side of the windows just for accent lighting.

If you search in kitchens for "sconces over kitchen sink" a few similar threads pop up. I liked this photo. Maybe something like this would work?

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2666257/kitchen-lights-are-going-in

Lily, I know what you mean about needing photos. That's why Houzz has been so invaluable to me (and why I'm not getting anything else done!). Maybe sconces flanking the windows is worth considering..

barncatz, I love that idea! Something new to consider. Awesome find!

I have spent many hours searching Houzz photos, so I understand! Recessed lights, sconces, pendants and UCLs and you will have lots of layers of light. I like having different kids of lights everywhere.

If you go with sconces on either side of the sink, I would point them down just for practicality. The picture doesn't look like the sink is getting much light at all.

Haha - agreed. Looks like you would have to turn on the can light to see the sink! Now I like a lot of different types of light, but they should all serve a purpose. Sconces if you can match them to the pendants would look good, or just do recessed to keep it simple. I wouldn't want 4 hanging lights either - sounds like a bit much.