Mark, thanks for your question, it's a good one because we're constantly bombarded by shows like The Block that are all based around trends and that can make us unsure about how our own home can fit into the current trend...or not. Firstly, can I reassure you that pendants are not a trend item, they've been around for ever (thank you how2girl for your image). When designing an interior, the rule is to design or decorate the 3 levels - the upper ceiling level (ceiling details, pendants etc), the mid height wall level (think artwork and tall lamps) and to decorate the lower level (rugs or decorative flooring). The most beautiful and interesting rooms draw your eye around the space, from floor to ceiling and back again, making pendant lighting an important stimulating feature in a space. Pendants also anchor a space. They say, I am here over the meals table or island bench and this is where we gather to talk, laugh and eat. I love them and use them and wall lights in preference to downlights whenever possible. Now just make sure that you still have adequate task lighting in your kitchen for the important things like preparation, cooking and cleaning up. Downlights serve this purpose well. LED strip lighting under overheads is a popular choice - I've done it under island benchtops and kickers as well to give that floating feeling and it looks amazing. But it doesn't provide you with overhead task lighting, and that's why I would use downlights as well. In answer to your question about whether to have an island bench or not, please forget trends unless you're reselling and even then you need to consider how much space you have and the flow of the room. If you could provide a sketch it would be easier to help you wth that specific question. Here are a few photos of one of our recent projects (still in construction mode so please excuse the surrounding mess) which show LED strip lighting, pendants and downlights in a kitchen, bar and casual living room (all in the one big open space). Hope that helps, Yelda xo :)

Some of the Laura Ashley ceiling pendants/chandeliers could work. http://www.laura-ashley.com.au/homewares/category/lighting/ceiling-pendants.html?___SID=U

Couple of things to consider..... 1. With any lights above a stainless steel sink, the reflection appears on the ceiling, I don’t like it so I installed a black sink. I added very minimal pendant lights, basically they are spotlights on a stick but they can be dimmed. Also I placed mine off centre. Saying that, spotlights can also be dimmed and sometimes, less is more. 2.Pendants in the bedroom can be quite tricky.. Example...they have to be the perfect height, width and as far as a reading light, they’re not adjustable. They cost more as they need to be installed. If you don’t like them, you need to get an electrician to change them. I originally wanted pendants but opted for lamps, happy I did as my bed couldn’t quite be centred so it would have been a mistake. Good luck, hope this helps.

We had a similar dilemma and ended up going with a lighting track and it’s great. Good lighting and looks way better than we expected.