Always do the pendant lights in odd numbers - 3 is better than 2.

I like the single pole on the left which looks cleaner.

oojeanie--Dytecture has the right idea. I would suggest removing the existing surface mounted globe fixture and cutting in some can lights in the ceiling, as well, centered in the aisles on all sides of the island. They could be wired to a dimmer switch, to add layering to the lighting. The task lighting in the soffits is right, but you need more than just a pendant over the island for the rest of the space.

Thanks for all the suggestions. So, would 3 recessed lights added around the island be good?

Should I just try to match the existing regular bulb cans that I have?

I would put in 6, which provides the general lighting for the space.. Remove the surface mounted globe fixture and then install cans in a grid pattern, equally spaced per attached, as floor framing over allows. Verify breaker capacity with electrician, and add a circuit, as necessary. If possible, these cans should be on a 3 way dimmer switch, on a separate switch from the cans in the soffit, but could be on the same switch as the pendant. These fixtures provide overall lighting, the cans in the soffits, hood or over the sink is task lighting, and is priimarily used when preparing meals, and off otherwise.

I would not put recessed lights around the island. They belong over the work area, placed 18" out from the wall on which the cabinet is located. Placing recessed lighting above the aisles doesn't help you when working at the counter because the light will be behind you and your shadow will prevent the light from reaching the work area.

So I would add 2 recessed lights, one over the sink area and the other above the stove. Over the island I would place the single pole light that you picture above, as Dytecture suggested.
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

Respectfully, when I refer to the above photo, which was taken during the daytime, this space is now very dark. With the removal of the recessed fluorescent fixtures over the island, the existing soffit task lights, plus the sink light and the new pendant fixture won't change this. Can lights on a dimmer switch will offer you the flexibility to control the amount of general light you want, which will vary depending on the time of day. Because the existing soffit can lights are too close to the cabinets, the cabinets create shade on the countertops, so you may want to add some low voltage under cabinet fixtures too.

DMG, you are so right about adding under cabinet lighting. That is very important. But I really think that the positioning of recessed lighting on the work area needs to be 18" from the wall above upper cabinets so that it can shine down on the countertop that lies in front of the depth of the upper cabinets, and not on the area beyond the lower cabinets, where it would be if placed in the aisle.

Because the above photo seems to me to show the recessed lights shining on the front of the cabinets, I do not believe they are too close to the cabinets. I respectfully am expressing this point of view which may differ somewhat from yours.

These are made of wine barrels and can be a very accent for a room like this.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and to also post a plan. Previously the island was placed under the soffit, which was not centered. Now that the soffit is removed, I can position the island where I want to. How do I figure this out? There are different ways to measure the middle of that side of the kitchen. Wall to wall, counter front to walk area... When I found what I thought would be the middle, it turned out to be a little close to the stove so I moved the island 4 inches over. Any suggestions? Should I measure the middle or place it where comfortable?

Island should ideally be 42 to 48" from the wall cabinets. At our house we deal with 39" and it's not a problem.
But it's usually just one of us in the kitchen at a time. What kind of space are you allowing?

Right now it is 37 inches from the stove. 33 was too close.

oojeanie--Carolyn is correct. Anything under 42" is snug, however, you may not have the luxury of that much space, do the best you can to maintain that 37"+ if you can. With respect to moving the island, try to keep the distance consistent to the wall base cabts. at the inside corner in both directions. My point on the lighting is that the task lighting in terms of cans in the soffits is what it is, and probably works ok, so don't change that, per the dwg I did. Replacing the clg mtd. fixtures it with a 3 lamp suspended pendant will light the island surface just fine, but the effective height and quality of the light relative to the rest of the room won't radically change how dark the room remains with the existing ceiling fixture(s) being removed. Without lights in the middle of the space at the ceiling level, the space will be inadequately lit, especially in the evenings.

Instead of adding recessed lighting and the island light, what do you think of just adding 1 semi-flush light above the island instead? Would that be more adequate and easier?

A track lighting system would also work.

Certainly, there are other options. I would suggest paying for a consult with a lighting lab, assuming you live in or near a metropolitan area, in order to understand the trade off of one idea vs another. The semi recessed or track lighting idea can work, depending on the size and placement of the fixtures. I like the pendant fixture you chose, but that alone will not provide enough light in the core of the space, which is why you need additional fixtures, as I suggest. Here is an example, a mix of pendant fixtures and 5" can lights with reflective baffles.

Do you have enough room to move the island between the eating area and the kitchen? A U shaped kitchen might work better for you and then you can go crazy with the lighting! Lighting over the island, lighting in the center. Have fun and good luck!

I found track lighting which includes additional rods so it can be hung lower. The lights swivel. What do you think of this one compared to the others?

oojeanie--this could work over the island itself, as I would guess it is about 36"-42" wide. Please consider both task illumination (this fixture & the cans in the soffit & under counter lights) and general illumination (lighting the room itself) You still need can lights on a grid in the high ceiling area, between the soffits over the upper cabs in the room to correct the light level in the space. This fixture is intended to cast a pattern of light onto a table or counter, not create a pattern of light for an entire space, which is why the shades are grouped together. Aiming the lights as this shows will defeat the purpose for which it was designed, and it would point light into peoples faces, instead of down onto the work surface or a dining table. This and the other options you previously shown will work for lighting the island, because they all concentrates a group of lights close to the work surface. Here is a page on a site I thought you may find helpful: http://www.bestremodelingkitchen.com/good-kitchen-lighting-ideas-for-your-kitchen/

I'm not fond of the light you showed above. I prefer either of your earlier choices, favoring the single pole one.

Thanks again!

We all just want to make certain that you are pleased with your work!