That fluorescent fixture is probably held up with two screws, you can have it down between cups of coffee. I would skip pendants and just put 4” cans evenly placed in the ceiling- probably 9 on dimmers.

Take it down and see what you got - nothing to lose. I would not go with can lights, A pair of pendants would look great. Especially since you can center them!

IMO pot lights will need to be done no matter what and unless you have done electrical well get an electrician It will not be that expensive. Make sure you use LED bulbs in 4000k the change will be amazing. I think next thing on the list would be trying to improve storage so that you actually have counter space .

We had a similar light fixture (the dreaded cloud light!) when we first bought our house. We took it down and replaced it with a more attractive light fixture (and have since replaced that with can lights). There should be a normal junction box under your light that will accept a new fixture; it’s a quick and easy swap out either DIY if you’re comfortable, or an electrician if you’re not.

Let the new owners deal with that. They're likely to get rid of the island and cabinets as well as put in all new lighting. Price it right to move into your new home and do upgrades there.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6205776/help-with-kitchen-cabinet-decision

NO pendants. 4-5 recessed lights. the space already feels crowded. and the ceilings are not that tall this room needs light not more decor.

Otherwise a simple track style fixture in satin nickle.

Have you done DIY electrical work before? If not, at least do a lot of research before doing anything. Keep in mind that if the location of the existing junction box doesn't work for whatever replacement fixture you go with, you will have to move it and then patch the hole that is left. But an electrician won't patch a hole, either, so you'll be stuck with that regardless.