Hey! I happened to run across this kitchen with a wooden valance and pendant today as I was searching for backsplash ideas. HTH.

Here is a link that might be useful: claudia_nj's kitchen

Colorado mom, I think the soft glow of a recessed light coming from a can (which you won't be able to see because of the valence) would look best. I think a pendant would distract from the valence. HTH. I am sure it will look pretty either way, but that is just my opinion. Keep in mind- its an easy switch out, so if you dislike the look you decide on, its not permanent.

I have a wooden valance over my sink and went with 2 recessed cans.

We put a shelf connecting the upper cabinets so we could hang 2 pendants over the sink. You can just barely see them on the left in this photo.

Wow Kalapointer! Gorgeous kitchen! I don't think I've seen yours before.

I also think that both a valance and a pendant might be too busy. But I'm off to see Sumnerfan's pic!

Yeah, I was right. For me, it doesn't look right.

I had replaced my recessed light with a pendant over the sink and ended up switching back to the resessed. I have a wooden valance and wish I didn't! I kept my old cabinets and replaced the window over the sink and tiled the around it up to the ceiling. My problem with the pendant was that I couldn't get it at the right height. It hung too low with the wood valance. However, I think in the pics of ClaudiaNJ's, the pendants look fine. Maybe since I have very dark wood, it just looked too heavy.
It's these little decisions that drive us crazy or to drink!

Thanks Breezygirl, but I am a shy poster,and haven't shown my kitchen. I have been on this site since 2007 under my DH name. It is a new home and it is very overwhelming as we are the GC and DIY.

Thank you all for responding! Considering the years I have logged watching HGTV, and hours on the computer here, it kills me when I make a mistake. I shouldn't have ordered the wood valance, but alas, I think I will go with the recessed light above the sink instead of the pendant.

Thanks all!

Just because you ordered a wooden valance does that mean you have to use it? I have one and love mine, but I know it depends on the kitchen and the personality you are trying to evoke. Good luck!

kalapointer, would you mind telling me more about your counter tops? From the picture you posted it looks very similar to the color I would like for mine.

ecranny, the countertop is called Vermont Verde Antique. It is serpentine and looks like green marble, but without all the issues of marble. Here is a web site that tells you all about it; http://www.vermontmarbleandgranite.com/marble/vermont_verde_ant.htm. I really like it. It doesn't stain, scratch or etch.