We recently bought a copper strip light from Beacon Lighting to put over the pool table downstairs, and I was really impressed with the light produced from such a slender strip. It comes in two lengths 1600mm and 1200mm. I think it would look great in your kitchen. http://www.beaconlighting.com.au/lighting/pendant-lights/modern-pendant-lights/ledlux-strix-led-1600-lumen-dimmable-pendant-in-copper.html Re your bar stools - a lot depends on your budget. If you're after something less expensive yet still comfortable, you might want to consider a replica Eames DSW bar stool. They come in a variety of colors too. (And can be found quite cheap at times -- between $50-$100 each) http://www.replicafurniture.com.au/replica-charles-eames-style-bar-stool.html

They look great in that photo, Northstar! Works beautifully. Will be fine over your bench. Didn't realise how large your p really space will be. Wow! No, if you replace pendants that have staggered drops, the fittings are completely removed and new pendant fittings are installed in their place. The electrician just shortens the drops without cutting them & the extra lenth is hidden away in ceiling.

Velux Skylights which are 580mm wide are designed to fit between rafters or trusses that are spaced at 600mm centres, with the long side (780mm in your case) running with the fall of the roof, and not across the slope. You should look at your roof plan to work out where the slope, ridge and hips are, as your skylights need to work with the slope and can't cut across ridges or hips. The position will depend on the direction of the fall of your roof, and the spacing of the roof rafters or trusses. In some cases you can build a raked shaft to get them close to where you want, but you don't have enough information in this plan to provide an answer. I have a similar Velux skylight over my kitchen island and I would recommend you get one that can open as well as a block-out blind. Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Wonderful ideas, everyone, thank you. I'm loving that Orion! Not sold on the brass, however, but if I can find something similar in nickle or such, that light would be a great statement somewhere in the new rooms. If there's one decorative aspect my wife and I agree on, it's that we do not like gold/brass fixtures. The first thing we did when we moved in was replace all tapware in the house because it was gold or brass. Julie, I think I might use somethinn like your ideas for the bedroom, very nice