We can not tell where each recessed is in relation to counter top. No, you don't want a light hanging over "nothing"

I am a bit worried as well, that adding more "visual" to your kitchen may not help.

I think you'd have a far better overall feel in the kitchen with a serious de cluttering of cabinet tops, fridge front and counters. Even a less contrasting paint color. If you are feeling brave? Do the de clutter, remove all but the clock and signs, necessary counter top appliances. ...............take a photo of that less congested result with the TAPED spots on the island reflecting where the light would shine down.

Try all of that, if you feel brave. : ) I think you can have a much better look in there.

I don’t think you need pendants, and definitely don’t use them if they can’t be centered.

You've got what looks like surface mount led lights. Placed for symetry. They haven't been placed to provide good lighting for some of your work zones. Right now they'll create shadows from your body on the counter(maybe) and at the sink(definately) when you try to do things. The better placement will be about 6 inches back from the front edge of the counter. I'd delete the light in front of the pantry and move the light nearest the sink to a spot over the sink. Check for shadowing on the two over the counter/range area and move if necessary. If you want to add undercabinet led lighting that would be an added benefit

A kitchen functions best with under cabinet lighting ..for the counters….pendants for sink and island..and uplighting on top of cabinets offers the best “night light” for when kitchen is not in use and you just want to get something in the evening without turning on all the lights….none of the ceiling lights serve any of those purposes…

just say no to pendant lighting in this space.. and no pendant lights are not always functional lights, I would also hedge to bet there is a microwave light for over the stove that acts as a night light here. The recessed is the functional light in this space.

RL … since you know everything… please disregard this point as is your habit…if the lighting was perfect …poster would not be asking for help and opinions

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it's just a fact that all pendant lights will not always give you task lighting, and some are just for a look or extra interest. Also, if can lighting wasn't the main source of lighting in a kitchen, then why would it be used in almost every kitchen?

Sorry if that offends you, but I'm not here for drama, not sure what habit you speak of but if you would like to continue the conversation feel free to DM me rather than spread drama on a posters thread.

https://www.lumens.com/how-tos-and-advice/kitchen-lighting-guide.html

now if you really want pendants, I would say you need a long mounting bracket so you can cover the electrical but also have it fall to center without too much repair work, here is an idea of what I mean, but I think you can also see it doesn't really help the space.

(not a pro) OP: please also tell us what's over your kitchen table, if anything. Take a picture from the other side of that table, looking toward your island. Your table is close enough to the island that a hanging fixture over the table could potentially look busy with anything added over the island.