Here’s another pic of the space, if that helps any.

What about two smaller can lights instead?

2 cans is great because you create fewer shadows leaning over the sink.

Are they installing a pancake box to get the new light to be centered? how far out from the wall will it be? Where is the joist?

Echoing the suggestions for 2 recessed cans for the sink. That is a win-win. You get around the joist issue. And as @blueskysunnyday said, you avoid the shadow that can be created when there is one recessed can over the sink, and over your head, so thst your head creates a shadow. A recessed can on either side of where your body stands at the sink prevents the head shadow.

It’s nice also to have the switch for the sink lights be separate from the switch for the rest of the ceiling cans. You put the switch for the sink lights near the sink. That way you don’t need to light up the entire kitchen when you just want to use the sink. The switches for the kitchen lighrs should all be dimmers. Dimmer switches are a low-cost convenience.

Thank you all for commenting. Yes, my GC planned to use a pancake box to get it centered. The joist runs parallel to the cabinets. I was told that if I want recessed lights they would have to be about 4-5” from the wall, or out further, closer to the edge of the sink. The over-sink light is wired to its own switch right by the sink and will have a dimmer. So I guess I need to find out exactly where the joist is/like how many inches out. In the meantime, perhaps someone can share: what’s the ideal distance from the wall for 4” recessed lights above a sink? (My ceilings are 8’)

We had a very similar issue. We placed the recessed can above the sink about 4" out from the wall (wall to edge, so about 6" from wall to center of light). It works great. I would definitely vote closer to the wall over closer to the countertop edge. 92" high ceilings in our kitchen.

I would take the opportunity to put in a classic fixture like the ones you're looking at, especially for a classic style kitchen like you're building. Recessed lighting is functional but doesn't look good. You get to add a fixture that is functional AND looks good.

I'd want it wired separately from the can lights, too.

I had a similar situation due to framing and had to use a pendant over the sink. I chose one with a conical metal shade that directs the light down rather than glass which would have lit all around. It adds to the room more than any can would have and accommodates a lot of lumens so I added a dimmer. Very happy.

Thanks again for sharing your opinions and comments, I appreciate it! Because of the advice I got here, I decided on this 2-light sconce with a black finish. It can be customized to hang from the ceiling instead of the wall. I figure this option gives me two lights, as was suggested by many of you, it can be centered, and it adds some visual interest. I just ordered the light and it should arrive within 3 weeks. Will post an update once it’s installed.

I had planned to put a recessed can light above the sink.

I think you got lucky by being forced away from this plan. A recessed can doesn't seem like "enough" to place over a sink ... looks like Swiss cheese. A pendant light is nicer, more special and draws attention to the window.

I'd term these lights as schoolhouse lights, and I like them all ... but I prefer the first one. Why? Because an open-bottom light can't collect dead bugs, and because it's easier to change the light bulb.

It’s nice also to have the switch for the sink lights be separate from the switch for the rest of the ceiling cans.

Definitely! I'd rather have too many switches than too few switches. Some idiot wired my peninsula light and my kitchen table light on the same switch ... and I don't always want those two lights on at the same time, but I have no choice.

Recessed lighting is functional but doesn't look good.

Agree. That's what I meant above by Swiss cheese ceiling.

Because of the advice I got here, I decided on this 2-light sconce with a black finish.

Honestly, that looks like a bathroom fixture. I liked your first ideas better.

NO, do not do a wall sconce if we are only talking 5'' out from the wall to get the recessed do that. have him show you exactly where it would land. if you cant do it then go back to the open bottom fixture you chose. that will look great. Nearly every home has recessed lights. if people are staring at your ceiling we have missed the mark on the design. That's like saying jeans are ugly yet everyone has a pair.

I don't see why two lights would work better than ONE positioned directly above the work area. And it's quite possible that a sconce hung from the ceiling would be....odd. :)

Don't mess it up because you might have to return it. I prefer your first choices.