Really, two lights in the center of the room isn't going to feel like enough light overall, nor enough in the places where you need to work. If you're open to switching to recessed lights, Hallett's suggestion is good. Otherwise, I might go for four smaller flushmount lights around maybe the corners of that large fixture.

2-Light Flush Mount, Brushed Nickel · More Info

Maxim Trim 11" 20W LED Flush Mount 3000K 57664WTBK, Black · More Info

Lucia 14" Flush Mount, Black, Acrylic Lens, Dedicated LED · More Info

(I can't tell what finish your fixtures/hardware is)

Is the surface mount suggestion one of access for the contractor? there are wafer thin led recessed, 4" with adjustable or 3500k that are lovely.

Can you make a sketch of the kitchen and note dimensions? Flat on paper?

Is there a plan to change the floor tile, to the hardwood in the dining area beyond?

@JAN MOYER I can try and do that, contractor recommended can lights and I wanted flushmounts so he recommended those sizes...I just really want some texture in there. I just really don’t like the recessed lights, but will do those if we have to 😟

Potential new floor swatch

Yes, at some point, we plan to replace the floors downstairs with vinyl plank flooring can go!

Do the sketch. Recessed need not be the only light - it is just very effective in combination with a surface mount extra: )

You're missing the texture that would come from a new flooring, AND from accessorizing in the kitchen. A runner on the floor, that would help. A paint color on the walls versus white? That too.

Think of the kitchen like an operating room it needs LIGHT and lots of it and BTW your scontractor is not the person who decides and of this. You need a good electrician who can install pot lights to light the entrie space . If that is not in the budget then IMO this is the place for track light 5 heads at least all LED 4000K bulbs quick fix lots of light. BTW that whole box needs to go and the ceiling will probably need repair . The lights you show are just not going to be able to provide the light a kitchen needs

We did 2 cans over sink/prep area and 2 flushmount similar to what you liked. probably 4 cans would have been better. i was anti can light as well lol. in summer we basically never use them but do need them in winter. we also use hood light and occassionally under cab ones. I would do both as i think you will be sad and dark with just flushmount.

I venture to guess that ceiling is 7’ or 7’6” max. No pendants. Add detail elsewhere, everything can’t be the star

Make sure to use your pots/cans to light up your work surface, not the walkway. So, install them over the edge of your counters. Otherwise, you create a shadow when you stand at the counter. Also do under-cabinet lighting. Then you can do whatever you want as decorative lighting without worrying too much about light output.

I totally appreciate everyone’s advice… Going to explore these options and talk about that with my electrician!

Question… My husband has a fondness for this 1980s light fixture lol… What are peoples thoughts on painting the trim white and installing 4 foot LED’s that are 3000 K or adjustable instead of the “ operating room white” level 4000 K they have now?

I don’t like that it takes up the whole entire ceiling, but may be if it was in green it might be better ?

Wasn’t green!

Nothing will better that huge box light, ( very sorry ) and no you truly do not need led over 3500 k and 3000 is great if you are "cold space" sensitive.

I put in cans throughout my small kitchen, as well as under cabinets lights. The adjacent dining nook has a semi flush mount fixture from Hinkley which I love…it is LED with dimmer switch and high enough to be out of the way so I can adjust location of dining table if needed. It provides plenty of light for that use and I like the diffuser as well.

OK thinking of adding this light above the sink if I go with canned lights on ceiling https://www.potterybarn.com/products/carneros-milk-glass-sconce/?catalogId=84&sku=9885068&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Lighting%20%3E%20All%20Wall%20Sconces&region_id=833380&cm_ite=9885068_14546951676&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuqKqBhDxARIsAFZELmJomtAt3E-Yl_VLePcPx4dM0ujnN7_K_AdsfzCr_AZ6ND1bs3PexlkaAo6QEALw_wcB#

I have scoured Emily Henderson's website and Studio McGee (who also seem to use this style) and can not find these specific can lights? anyone know what brand? thanks!! And yes we are going with can light just need to find some bids for hanging the sheetrock! thanks :)

IMO pot lights are the best choice fot overall lighting in a kitchen I like 4" pots with LED 4000K bulbs . I do not like lower K values in a space where color is imortat and also it mimics daylight so all the colors you choose stay true.

Those can lights you’re looking for, try your local Home Depot if you haven’t already.

I have but they look a little different...hoping to find these exact lights! thanks!

@Patricia Colwell are pot lights and can lights the same thing?

maybe these? https://www.amazon.com/Sunco-Lighting-Recessed-Downlight-Installation/dp/B096GSQYHQ/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=3BRLFVDNDH8TM&keywords=Visual%2BComfort%2Brecessed%2Blighting&qid=1700236271&sprefix=visual%2Bcomfort%2Brecessed%2Blighting%2Caps%2C409&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Pot lights seems to be the preferred term north of the border. Like Marrette and wire nut.

any thoughts/feeling on a recessed tray ceiling? we can't deal with dry wall bids rights now but could easily get lights installed and handyman install shiplap?

" My husband has a fondness for this 1980s light fixture lol… What are peoples thoughts on painting the trim white and installing 4 foot LED’s that are 3000 K or adjustable instead of the “ operating room white” level 4000 K they have now?"

I see no reason why you couldn't paint the trim.

I assume that the bulbs are fluorescent, correct? There are "plug-and-play" LED bulbs that can be used to replace the fluorescent bulbs without removing the ballast. They're available in a variety of color temperatures. (My preference for a kitchen is 3500K.) 1000bulbs.com only sells them in cases of 25 but you can probably find singles elsewhere.

I would do flush mounts that a shallow ( more of a drum light ) . You will have to to figure out what the light out put is of your fluorescent and then try to get as close as possible. You will want to also invest in under cabinet lighting - that will help a lot as well ( get ones that are brighter ) . I am like you - I dislike recessed lighting - I have none in my house.

This light takes 3 60 watt bulbs. If you get the newer LED bulbs ( or even compact fluorescents ) you can get even more than a 180 watt equivalent light.

You do need to make sure that when you open the cabinet doors that they are not hitting the fixture.

Good luck!