Flo....in real life the pendants are 21", so in the mockup they are way bigger than they should be. Here's a more accurate rendering.

I like those. I'd like clear glass w/gold better though. I just don't see the attraction for those large shades like that in the kitchen.

Sophie Wheeler - I couldn't quite place why I wasn't feeling the brass dome pendant, but "stodgy" is the perfect word. It's a nice light fixture in someone else's kitchen, but it doesn't work here. And I agree, all the right angles need some curves to balance it out. I think that's why I was drawn to the Agnes pendants, but now that I see them in place, I'm not sure.

I'm drooling over that vintage Tom Greene brutalist light fixture. Just stunning. And I'm now on 1stdibs looking for one I can use in the stairway or possibly over the dining table.

Also, I love Chihuly's work. I was in London a few months ago and saw his installation in the Victoria and Albert rotunda--there are no words to describe it.

Thank you everyone!

nidnay - I really appreciate the mock ups! Very helpful. The Agnes in gold is looking good. The white is more understated (which I like). I think there may be a white version of this fixture with a gold interior, too. I'll see if I can find it.

Beth H - Those are all very nice. Lots to think about! In fact, a few of them were on my original list (the first 3 images), but then I thought they might be too traditional. I'm going to take another look at those.

Flo Mangan - You are correct, there is a smaller version of that fixture (18" wide vs 21" and a bit taller). Do you think this would be a better option?

http://www.circalighting.com/agnes-medium-pendant-arn5351/

Beth H. - Here is the fixture I had been considering previously that reminded me of a couple you posted. Do you think something like this would be too traditional or might it work?

Hicks Large Pendant in polished nickel (there are a few other finish options at the link below)

http://www.circalighting.com/hicks-large-pendant-tob5063/

The white is still 18". Have you considered temp solution and then getting custom pieces done in some form of art glass? Not sure about the colored glass. I am looking for something more let's say cutting edge that might appeal. Bbl

smit,,,lol,,,,I was actually looking at that one, or something very similar, for my own island. in the gold I believe. this is Hudson Valley and is more round, but only 9"

Couple more...

I like the first pic w/the balls! those look good.

Just had brainstorm! This would require changing wiring but this could look awesome.

Mock up. Not sure if color of shade would work but might be worth thinking in a slightly diff direction than two pendants. Enjoy!

Lots of good options here. LOVE the gold Agnes, especially the slim one. Would be amazing with gold hardware. Not a fan of Sophie's suggestions. Something like that will be all you see and IMO takes away from the rest of the room. To me fixtures like that are best used in foyers or dining rooms where they are the focus.

Your space is REALLY beautiful!

love the gold and love the gold Agnes as well....

Lily Hanging Shade

DESIGNER: ALEXA HAMPTON

I like the gold Agnes. My favourite, hands down - the white with gold inside (best of both worlds!). How big and wide is your island? I think that if you are doing 2 pendants only, bigger might be better. The 18 might also work, depends on size of your island. I'm really liking the gold trend right now, but less is more. Gold on the inside of a white prendant is just st enough.

I also like the shiny hicks pendants. I wouldn't get gold ones though, that would be too traditional for your contemporary kitchen (which I love, by the way).

Like these!

But I prefer the Agnes shape for your kitchen.

Beth H. - Really like that fixture from hudson valley. In fact, I'm putting very similar gold pendants in another room! I think for the kitchen, if I do this shape, I'd probably go with the Hicks in nickel.

lwfromny - Thank you! It's exciting to finally see it come together. The Agnes is definitely on the short list.

Porter Edun - I actually looked at those early on in my search! Granted I've looked at roughly 7,524 light fixtures. But those were on the list at one point. I really like them, but ultimately I think I need something more contemporary.

blahnik1 - I really love those pendants! But I agree the shape of the Agnes would probably work better in this instance.

Flo Mangan - That is such a cool fixture! I really like it, but I agree it's going to be too dark to work.

Okay, so here are the finalists:

Hicks large - polished nickel

Agnes medium - gold with white interior

Agnes medium - white with gold interior

And a few bonus pics...

Skan lights

fuzzyguy - Funny, I had looked at similar lights previously. These ones...

http://www.circalighting.com/dot-16-pendant-pb5001/

I decided against them because I wanted more substance. But maybe minimal is a good way to go here? I'm going to look up the Skan lights.

My vote - Agnes medium - gold with white interior

blahnik1 - Apologies, I forgot to answer your question earlier. the island is 8'x4'.

With that size the Agnes should work, just might have to adjust the locations of the junction boxes to work symmetrically. Pretty much your personal touches now. I am not crazy about the gold with your cabinet color though. I get the "current gold rush" and I have come to embrace it, but really check that look out with your kitchen and backsplash. Make sure it all works together and are you planning a pendant over the sink? Or just a recessed light? The kitchen is going to be stunning. You've done a wonderful job.

Hard decision. I really do like all 3. Maybe it would depend on the hardware.

Thats a good sized island. I think the Agnes is more 'modern'. I think I want them for my new kitchen! I haven't seen them before. The hicks is nice. I like the shiny hicks a lot, but I've seen them in many kitchens (but rarely in this colour). You could really go either way. I think the Agnes is a bit more sleek though.

I marginally prefer the white Agnes with your kitchen and backsplash (unless your backsplash has a little warmth to it).

The Currey and Co., piece I did the mock up of is really gorgeous in person and the color doesn't come through nor the scale, so if you could see it in person, you might change your mind. Not trying to sell it, but just saying. Might be great for over rectangular dining table. I like the Agnes because of it's shape. The other shapes are a bit too "camp like" and I gave up camping with my first husband! bad memories! But I think with just two pendants you have a lot of good choices. :)))

Oh, I meant the white Agnes. With the more cone like shape.

Sorry....also meant to post that you can find the Skan pendants on ylighting.com....small and large....white, red, charcoal grey.

Is your cooktop going to be installed on your island...appears you have any opening there? If you are cooking on your island, I would select an easy to clean enclosed shade vs open funnel or barrel shape. Grease magnets. I love the Hicks in polished nickel and white glass; this will give you lots of options for rest of kitchen with pulls, counter chairs, etc. I also love the flexibility and beauty of chain hung pendants vs some of the other options of cord or rods. Love the polished nickel finish from visual comfort products and Hudson Valley; both built to last.

Have you considered pendant over sink?

Flo Mangan - LOL @ the camp comments! I will definitely look into seeing it in person. It looks like there is a showroom in Dallas (I'm in Austin) so I'll have to make a trip.

fuzzyguy - Thank you! That's a really nice looking fixture.

imhofan - You bring up a very good point that I had not considered. Yes, the cooktop will be in the center of the island and I can see those pendants collecting a lot of grime which would be a challenge to clean for sure. With the Hicks fixture I could just remove the glass fitting and wash it in the sink. The chain vs rods is also a good point. That definitely moves the Hicks pendants up on the list.

Regarding a pendant over the sink, I had been thinking about it. There is currently an LED recessed light there, so I'd have to convert it. I think I may wait until I'm in the space to see if I need better lighting before I make a decision.

Definitely a good catch about the stove by @imhofan!

I visit a few model homes today to get some ideas for my new home (coming soon!). 3 out of 6 models has the hicks pendants; 2 homes had gold, one had brushed nickel. All 3 models were very traditional/more transitional (shaker cabinet kitchens). I love the hicks, but I think the Agnes would look wayyyyy cooler in your kitchen. The only reason I'd pick the chrome hicks over it (only the chrome/titanium colour) is because it's closed, and I think your are going over a range (????). But, you'd have to clean that too.

Pick 1- Agnes

pick 2- Shiny Hicks (not the other colours).

blahnik1 - That's good to know! I know I've seen similar pendants all over houzz, but didn't know they were that popular. I guess it's a pretty classic design, so that may be why. Still up in the air on it, but realizing that the fixtures will be over the cooktop has swayed me a bit. Having a glass globe means I can pop off the enclosure and easily give it a good washing. The open fixtures would be much harder. Also, I'm not sure how the gilt interior of the Agnes would hold up to that. Luckily, I'm not in a rush, so I'm going to think on it a bit more. Good luck with your new home!

2 more different ideas.

Just happened back to the thread and the cooktop catch.....

I'm sure you've seen this is your many searches. However, it came to mind so I got it from my file to toss out.

https://www.stardust.com/NOGLOBESUSPENSION.html

https://www.stardust.com/luceplan-glassglass-lamp.html

https://www.stardust.com/visoilupl.html

ttps://www.stardust.com/visoboliopl.html

Came across this today and thought of your island; love how interesting and unique this arrangement is without blocking view etc...just another idea for you. From Rejuvenation.

try polished chrome with glass

Hello all! Long time, no update. The pendant lights have arrived and I have the electrician coming tonight to install them. I decided on the Hicks large pendants in polished nickel. My question now is, how far off the counter should they be installed? The ceiling is 10 feet high.

I believe it's 28-34" or so, above the countertop. you don't want them too high, or too low so that they're right in someones face.

Thank you, Beth! I will have him play around with those distances until it seems right.

Pendants are in and looking gorgeous! Thank you ALL for your help getting this worked out.

Beth—Just FYI we ended up at 33" above the counter. I'm going to live with it for a bit and the electrician will adjust if needed when he comes back to install the dining chandelier next week.

Nice. Good height. It might be photo angle but the one on the left could be more toward cook top away from edge of countertop? Those look great though. Nice choice.

Thanks, Flo! I just double checked and they are spaced right... it's the angle of the photo. I was trying to avoid the mountain of moving boxes to the right of the island. :D

Does anyone have any opinion on the chandelier I ordered for over the dining table? I'm slightly nervous because it's polished aluminum vs the polished nickel on the pendants. The dining table (marble saarinen) will be right next to the kitchen. The counter stools are also aluminum (emeco) so maybe that will help tie it in? Just a little wary of clashing metal finishes. Style wise, I think it will work, but not sure about the metals. Also, if you think this is a terrible choice in general, let me know!

I kind of like it but it seems a bit thick. It also looks pretty gold. I know you have great instincts so follow your gut. I would like to see photo of table and space if possible.

What about this one? I don’t know sizing so check that out. It does hang from chain which gives much more flexibility in getting it hung at proper level.

Flo, I kid you not, my second choice for a chandelier was nearly identical to the one you posted—sputnik with glass rods! Regarding the color of the one I ordered, it's silver (polished aluminum). It also comes in a champagne finish, so I wonder if that is the one that is in the photo above? Here is silver finish, below. It should be delivered next week, so I'll unpack it and decide whether of not I'll install it once I see it in person.

The table and chairs haven't been delivered yet, but here are photos of those, too. I'm at work right now, but I'll take a picture of the space when I get home.

Oh, and here are the counter stools...

Awesome. The photo showed the gold finish so the silver should work. Gotta say i like the rods. At night it would be spectacular! Haha! Great minds and all that!

I just put in essentially the same cabinets!! I’m going brass with the pulls and lights. It looks great with the dark cabinets and will look nice with your floors.

How fun to see your pendants up--the Hicks look so great! Nice choice! I love your chandelier choice with your table. I wouldn't worry about mixing polished nickel and chrome-- when you receive it and unpack it - if you still love it, go for it!