I was thinking of the restoration hardware round linen shade...ideally, it would be something that doesn't have exposed light bulbs and is in a nickel or satin nickel finish. I would also like something that matches for another adjoining dining area.

https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1319060&categoryId=cat5700286

You have lots of natural light, I would want the pendants to stand out and go with a glass fixture

Understood - I still have the same opinion. As a designer, I like to remind people to 'pick their moments' -- meaning, what do you want to be a focal point versus something complimenting and blending in. Otherwise I would consider doing an industrial fixture in a larger format to compliment the pendants. As long as everything is on a dimmer, you will be able to create ambience at any time!

Crate and Barrel's Rodan pendant:

If you like the linen drum, you can use it both places appropriately sized for each table. I do think the RH linen drum seems awfully expensive for what it is, though. You might look around a bit more; there are linen drum lights everywhere.

Drum lights in both areas could work but I would make them different for the difference in formality of either space. I still would like to see you use glass as a contrast and the formal dinning may be a better place for a chandelier on the contemporary side. It looks like you are still shopping for your full size dinning table as it shows the same table in both breakfast room and dinning room. I would wait on the formal dinning area light until you have chosen your set. If it this does happen to be your actual dinning set I suggest two different styles and drum is a good choice or again. Some glass. :) Consider a linier chandelier for the dinning room. Such as...

http://www.lumens.com/triad-linear-suspension-by-kichler-uu464188.html#sz=48&start=48&cgid=6&&tileIndex=20

Triad Linear Suspension by Kichler at Lumens.com · More Info

The more formal dining room areas is really quite small, so this is the dining room set that we're using for now. Believe me, I've tried several more formal and larger looks, but they were all too big.

I'm thinking I may get a larger sisal rug to fill up the space a bit better and then add a cowhide rug in neutral creams/browns under the table to add some interest.

Thank you! I also found this light but it may be a little too masculine. Thoughts?

http://alexdeelighting.com/brand-steven--chris/bay-street-oatmeal-chandelier/sku-V530-sc875om

I like the choice you found. It really meets the design in the famine and masculine. Nice hunting - gather. Cheers!

It is an interesting light, and the only issue I would be concerned about is the amount of light it would actually provide with the diffuser on the bottom.

If you stick to a white shade, it will also let a lot more light through.

Thanks for the tips! What do you all think of these curtains for the breakfast nook and living room area in taupe?

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/meyers-drapery-panel/rugs-drapery/drapery/style/pattern/378808