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PLATEMARK DESIGN Go big. Or at least bigger than you think. Yes there are standards for height above counter though you really need to eyeball it in the end. As a rule of thumb, I always fall to the "golden ratio" whereas in this case, the lights take up approx. 2/3 of the counter area. Not sure why, just instinct and experience. Good luck!

Design & Decor By Shelley Hi lacevedo, Depending on the style you prefer, task lighting above the island is certainly something to consider..What purpose do both of these islands have for function?
I have attached a few lighting ideas based on a few different styles.

lacevedo Thank you both for your comments. We will have 2 islands for extra storage and counter space. The kitchen is a big square with only 2 wall sides, with very few upper cabinets. Our family room will be in front of the 2 islands if comparing with the photo above. The main kitchen sink and work area will be in the back island near the stove. I will use your recommendations for the large lights. Thank you.
So which island should I put the hanging lights? Both? Front or back? I hope my explanation makes sense.

Curb Appeal Renovations You will definitely need good task lighting over your kitchen sink. Without seeing your specific kitchen, I would opt for hanging lights at the island closest to your family room and yes - GO BIG - especially since they're 11' long! I personally would go for something that's your eye candy in the kitchen. Something that makes a statement. In this picture I'm posting, these pendants are unusual. They make a statement. The lights in the above picture are very elegant and also make a statement. Just make sure that you put in enough can lights, put the lights on dimmers, on the appropriate switches and use the appropriate light bulbs to get the "right" light in your kitchen!

lacevedo Very cool lights! Where can I get those?

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design WE want to SEE! Post your after photos please!

lacevedo I will that is so funny;)
I think I need to post the drawings too for a better idea. Thanks.

lacevedo Hope the above screen shot helps. Kitchen on the bottom then goes into the great room. No dining or living room.

Dytecture I agree, pendants above the sink where it will get used more often.

Curb Appeal Renovations I've got a question...looking at your plan...have you built it already? Have you thought of one great big island? You could do cabinets on the ends and then put cabinets under the bar over hang and that could be for those "holiday" items you don't use as often. This way, it would be IMO a lot more functional and a lot more working space. Just a thought!

I would place the pendants over the island closest to the fireplace. Unless you can get pendants with GREAT light, do not place them over your sink. You need excellent task lighting there.

The pendants in the above pic I posted are from Uttermost. They're Carolyn Kinder. She does great lighting and they weren't expensive either!

lacevedo Thanks, no, we are in the framing stage.
I have had one big island and I found that the inner part of the island is not reachable or unusable for me - I am not a tall person haha.

I like to bake and I need a big clear space with no sinks etc, hence the 2 separate spaces. Everyone is trying to talk me out of the 2 islands but I love the idea. Anyway, now you know :)
Question...would the lights over the island closest to the fireplace create an illusion of a wall? That is my concern.

the essentials inside Hi all! lacevedo - a new kitchen, very exciting! Congratulations!

Curb appeal - Is the pendant the Albiano 1 light pendant -- www.essentialsinside.com: lighting Great choice - we love Uttermost - the products and the company. So glad we can carry them in our store.

Here's some pics you might like:
http://www.houzz.com/discussions/147908/My-Houzz-inspired-kitchen-remodel. (for the lights)

Lorraine G Vale (for the multiple islands)

Lyvonne
www.essentialsinside.com

lacevedo Thank you!!!

Curb Appeal Renovations Yes that's the light we used. I like the lights in the pic posted above, but there's a diffuser on the bottom. Keep that in mind when selecting lights. And no, I don't think it will look like a wall.

lacevedo Ok great. Will d the lights on the outer island. Thank you so much!