I’d prob do cans only, for a more streamlined look. The beam already makes the area kind of busy.

It's hard to tell from the photo but it seems the pendants are over the island and the can is not. If you can move the can to be more in line with the other cans (centering it on the front of the fridge), I think that would be best. Then replace the pendants with something you like that is simple (or just do cans there as well). I'd also think about painting the beam white to match your cabinets which will help make it less obvious.

Thank you so much for your comments. Ellen S, I agree that the beam already makes that area busy. I love the look of pendant lights, but I might just have to go for fun lighting over the dining table. And Design Girl, I will take a closer look the next time I can get in the house (COVID is limiting my visits before I actually close). And yes, I will definitely be painting the beam white. I’d prefer to take it out, but am pretty sure it is load-bearing.

Replace with a can. There is MUCH more wrong in that kitchen than pendants. : ) The fridge all alone with no cabinet housing like an afterthought "Oh!! We forgot the FRIDGE!" . ...........: ) and even the pendants too close together on a small island. You have no clue the guts of the ceiling, it's clearly a remodel .......hence the post support. Call an electrician before a painter. .

A MOVE in, doesn't end the process of making a home. It's the beginning of making a home............

The rush to paint has often been the root of all kinds of regrets. Move IN.

Beth H, thank you for your suggestions, and for posting those pictures. I was planning to paint the beam white (I probably should have said that in my original post), and it is so helpful to see how that will look. It is definitely less noticeable once it is painted. I really like the clear, round pendants, but I worry they will be too bright. Even on a dimmer, it seems like they could be hard to look at. I’ll have to go see some in person. Thanks again!

Hi Jan, I definitely realize “there is MUCH more wrong in that kitchen than the pendants.” My current thoughts are to paint the cabinets a nicer white; add a trim piece where they meet the ceiling; add cabinets over the fridge; change the hardware; replace appliances, counters, backsplash, sink.... it just goes on. I’d prefer a hood over a gas range, maybe moving the microwave to a drawer in the island. BUT I am going to move in and live with it a while to see how the kitchen functions for me before I make those costly decisions.
I want to paint the interior of the house before I move in to freshen it up, get ride of yellow walls I don’t like, and make all the doors and trim white. Painting prior to moving will be much easier with no furniture in the home and will make it feel “cleaner” when I move in. I wouldn’t bother with the pendants yet, but I don’t want to have to repaint the ceiling later.
Thanks for your feedback on going with a can vs pendants.

wow, between the post and the corbel, why did they even make an overhang there? or why didn't they shift the island to put the post inside the counter?

anyway, I'm with those who vote against pendants. I'd either do two cans, for good task lighting, or one semiflush light that would give some character but not add another vertical element.

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you could always do a seeded glass and lower temp bulb if you're worried about glare. Or, a frosted glass would also work. I've had them. they're aren't an issue. Put the pendants on a separate switch so that they don't automatically come on w/the ceiling lights.