Im a simple, function-first gal. i like a flush mount drum shade style fixture. ~3000 kelvins is my preference. if your kitchen is 8x8’ youll need at least 2200 lumens.

Alternatively, track light is sometimes a good, flexible solution for kitchens with only one fixture for general lighting.

I would google “transitional drum flush mount light” that will bring up a lot of options. I think changing your cabinet hardware would make a big impact too.

Rachel, I have a fan in my kitchen too. I'd also like to be rid of it. But I am afraid that if I do, the air temperature will be uncomfortably uneven in there, especially in summer . How did you get around that? I'd love to know so I can make the switch too. Thanks much!

There is really no good place for a fan in a kitchen. It collects airborne cooking grease, blows any available dust around. If you must have it? Close to the ceiling mount and white.

Lighting is best as recessed, under the cabinet, and pendant or other decorative whenever, and wherever possible. Which means a very good electrician is your best friend.

Also.......the picture above is a classic tale of half measure renovations. Someone ( probably a previous owner) took out a wall, perhaps adding a full size dishwasher vs. 18 inch, neglected to address the result of fridge crowding a passage, or unifying flooring.....and money spent on granite and backsplash? Essentially wasted. Don't do it. Save and WAIT. Below...... 240 watts. / 149.00

.https://www.lampsplus.com/products/sylvan-18-inch-wide-oatmeal-drum-ceiling-light__2n838.html

if you think any redo would have the same basic configuration why dont you get a quote for a basic installation of can recessed lights in the ceiling. It will come to that anyway. You can see how a kitchen remodel isnt way way out in the future even tho you dont have to be tackling that right now.....but why wouldnt you just get the correct lighting and then its done. if you cant bother with it Jan's drum fixture is nice.....or a snake shape trac with directional fittings and you could buy yourself a work cart for the middle space....a nice option for a little"fix" [you are short on counter ]

At nothing less than 120.00 per recessed can installed, drywall repair and paint?

Save for the big redo and matched appliances.

how much do you think it costs to call out an electrician to pull the big fan light and install the a new fixture...if she could do it herself she would have by now. The question she asks "what would look good" ought really be ...what is the best thing to do and that has to do w function and end cost for that function. Just go to Lowes and get an 80. fitting and call a handyman then if the points about lighting and getting to a more optimal end result cant be reviewed. You can get open box ceiling fixtures laying around at Habitat stores for 15.

It is a job any 1/2 assed handy man can do take down the fan and IMO replace with a track light all LED bulbs 4000K it will look like anew kitchen.

How much? A lot less than the ceiling rip, for a half dozen led recessed if ripping the ceiling up is even possible.

person should know what benefits from various options. costs can be worth it once she realizes. ultimate decision might shift to something other than "looks" Kitchen has flaws ....lighting is one of them... if unable to address everything ......one key thing can make a difference. Person has to find the"sweet spot" for effort/cost and outcome. Electricians will give estimates if called. We did quite a bit in 2019 I found the walk through with electrician very helpful .....various things had to be done / a few "optionals" and info provided about LED obviously. Carve out the time and review what areas in your home you would upgrade and get an electrician in / this phase of estimates /review /walk through is really helpful...my hunch is the home hasnt had an update . there's a fluorescent fixture in the rear room it appears..... Good Luck.

I must be very weird for not frying anything ever, but it is nice that I never even think about the cooking grease nightmare. I really can't imagine how awful that must be. I agree ceiling fans have to be cleaned often, but, bless them, they are great at catching everything! How did the cat hair get up there?

I love building relationships with the tradesmen I depend on. I really do feel my electrician, plumber, and concrete guy are friends. I encourage you to find good ones who can advise you on options to keep costs down. I met most of mine through contractors. The contractors have come and gone, but I cherry pick the subcontractors. I love that I can text the electrician, and he will walk me through my problems over the phone and will come over on a weekend if that doesn't fix the problem.

I like Jan's example for a light fixture for your room. It would add a little complementary soft texture too. It's good you have task lighting over your sink (cute shelf!) and over the counter in the corner. You can get a less obtrusive over-counter, under-cabinet light to replace it if you want. 

Jan is right that replacing one fixture is easier and cheaper than putting in can lights. Not everyone likes the effect of can lights either. Sometimes a whole room-full can look harsh and even tacky.

As to DIY? Boost the ceiling with simple to do all by yourself......Stick em right under the cabs.

Rechargeable, motion sense.

@Rachel Ace, Did you just buy this house? It looks like you can’t stand at the sink with open DW to load dirty dishes and fridge sticks out into the hall. I would address the functional things before the lighting. The ceiling fan has lights that point in 4 directions and replacing it with a light that shines straight down won’t provide task lighting for your workspace and you will need under cab lights too.

Any light with a fabric shade, like many of the afore-mentioned drum shade lights, is just a downright stupid thing to put in a kitchen.

If there is accessible attic space over the kitchen, adding recessed lights is the best solution with a low degree of difficulty. Slightly more difficult if the attic is not accessible. And quite inexpensive if you DIY.

I must be very weird for not frying anything ever,

I always wonder when people say they never fry anything.

OK, that means they never make fried chicken or fried okra or make bacon & eggs on the stovetop. Is it just semantics? Do they never, ever saute, sear, sweat, brown, make a grilled cheese sandwich....?

I think it is partially semantics. I never make fried chicken, fried okra, or bacon. When I read fry, I think of a 1/4” or more oil in a pan, and I never cook that way. I do sauté, and that can be messy, but its not frying as I define it.

Hi Rachel, search online for a white or silver track light fixture. Inexpensive and you can direct the light to where you want them

Ci lanteo...no, I do not make fried chicken. I microwave bacon and eggs. It's not semantics. It's fact.