If you do put can lights in, put them on a dimmer switch. Take into consideration if you want to hang pendant lights/chandeliers somewhere. Maybe not now, but in the future? What would be a logical place for electrical points in the ceiling for those. Another thought, the beam that's running under the strip of windows (above the half wall) would maybe be nice to put uplighters on? Like in the pic below: An ideabook about lighting (there are more interesting ideabooks about that subject on Houzz), follow the link under the pic: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/5-questions-to-ask-for-the-best-room-lighting-stsetivw-vs~8362447

Hi Violet, How exciting new projects are always stressful but soooo rewarding in the end! A cluster of pendants sounds brilliant :) they are certainly on trend at the moment and give clients the ability to put a cluster together they love! Also helps when you're a bit indecisive. You can certainly fit a cluster in this space, the drama is in the staggered ceiling heights, not just the width and spacing of the pendants themselves. These are some options on how you can space your pendants, there are no strict rules or dimension requirements when designing and placing your pendants. You are free to explore your creativity with this! So do not take the above as mandatory just a general idea. Some options you can do are: https://www.golights.com.au/sandra-lidner-selene-pendant-light-in-clear https://www.golights.com.au/pendant-light-tom-dixon-etch-shade-e27-32cm https://www.golights.com.au/foscarini-urquiola-and-gerotto-caboche-pendant-light-in-clear https://www.golights.com.au/pendant-light-tom-dixon-etch-shade-e27-47cm  https://www.golights.com.au/pendant-light-stainless-steel-tom-dixon-etch-web-e27-65cm You can also do a range of pendants from the same family, but in different shapes for example the George Nelson Bubble Series: https://www.golights.com.au/george-nelson-bubble-lamp-ball-pendant-light-white-50cm-criss-cross https://www.golights.com.au/george-nelson-bubble-lamp-apple-50cm Of course the design depends on what is filling that void for example the shape and path of your staircase! Once you have some drawings or a photo feel free to send them over if you still need some more help! Good Luck with your build and search for the perfect pendants! You can always call us on 1300 798 220 for more help!

Here's a couple of links: https://www.designerchandelier.com.au/ Owner Jon Warren - recently got a Linkedin message, might be a good one too https://www.chicchandeliers.com.au/ 

Good point bigreader, totally agree. But I'm afraid I have to admit defeat. Hubby is delighted at the feedback and reckons he's won this dispute hands down. Thank you all for the input and great advice as always. Until the next crisis, cheers EL