I prefer the 2nd one you listed–I like the simplicity so it’s not so busy. Never liked wire in the glass look. Congrats on having a nice inspector! That must make a huge difference!
Tried to find Crossville tile showroom or dealer - none in San Diego. I really won’t buy tile without touching it and seeing it. Also, need to stick to lower cost solutions as much as I can. I can ‘accent’ with expensive tile, but flooring and shower walls need to be reasonable
I like the second Pottery Barn link lights, too.
Glad the inspections are rolling along.
Have you looked at the Veranda series from Daltile? They were reasonable, beautiful, made in Italy. The Veranda Solids have some color variation that give them a leather or patina feel. The Veranda Tones are also really nice. You can find them on the Dal website.
I am another with a definite preference for the second PB link. I remembered that they are having a free ship day today and went back to my deleted items to get the code for you, but unfortunately lighting, furniture, & rugs aren’t included:(
My only concern about the clear PB pendants is that they are dark bronze ceiling cap and fixture and the kitchen is going to be pale grey, white/grey countertops and stainless steel appliances. These will be near the faucet which will probably be silver in color. Might not work, but on the other hand, could be a nice contrast. Difficult to figure out.
Usually I buy a whole bunch of lighting at the local stores and then hold each one up after kitchen is finished. Make a selection and then return the others. I hesitate to buy something online because it is a hassle to return.
I like that second PB pendant, too.
I understand your concern about bronze vs. SS/nickel. When I refreshed our kitchen (no major work, just paint, tile & fixtures), I debated using mixed metals. All door & cabinet hardware and fixtures in our house are ORB, and I was tired of it. I splurged on Waterstone faucets for the kitchen (main sink faucet set, pot filler & prep sink) in satin nickel: http://www.waterstoneco.com/faucets/gantry-faucet-4-towson12.php but kept the ORB lighting in the kitchen and breakfast room, thinking I could change it later if it really bugged me. Instead, dh and I both like the contrast which surprised us.
Anyway, since you prefer to shop locally to make returns easier there are a few possibilities in your price range at Lowe’s that might work:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_559983-57278-P5173-81_1z0vgc3+1z0yenp+1z10w2z+1z10waq+1z10wbu+1z10wd4+1z10wew__?productId=50132984&Ns=p_product_price|0&pl=1¤tURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_price%7C0%26page%3D5&facetInfo=Steel|Aluminum|Steel-Stainless|Chrome|Nickel|Pewter
Home Depot has a couple, too:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Kenroy-Home-Aboard-1-Light-Antique-Nickel-Pendant-93015ANI/204768066?N=5yc1vZc7nuZ12l0Z12l1Z12l2Z2bcu15Z1z0tr9fZ1z0u7kwZ1z0u7luZ1z0u7lyZ1z0w31o
@coralbrook - I hate to criticize but if a City inspector is doing you a favor I wouldn’t put it out on the internet. Enough info about where your property is located has been posted online so while it’s unlikely it’s also possible that he could end up getting in trouble.
BTW. I really do like reading your thread.
Good point, I should be careful about the details of our inspections.
Wow, love some of those Lowes and Home Depot. My favorite is this first one in the Home Depot list because it is similar to some that I have seen in the fancy kitchens on Houzz. But it might be too ‘nautical’??
How about something like this? http://www.lightingdirect.com/progress-lighting-p5147-alexa-single-light-mini-pendant-with-white-linen-finished-glass-shade/p1708896 It would go well with stainless and white/grey and is very affordable.
Another possibility; a little more expensive but it makes a statement: http://www.lightingdirect.com/vaxcel-lighting-pd30153-milano-1-light-mini-monorail-pendant/p918021
On the lighting, I would be wary of being too aggressively modern in this house.
My favorite of all the lighting other people offered, was the third one from Lowe’s: “allen + roth 6-in W Brushed Nickel Mini Pendant Light with Clear Glass Shade.” In my mind it ticks your boxes of being nickel, not too modern, kind of beachy with the glass and also frankly something you can see more light out of than some of the solid pendants.
I saw this at Lowe’s today while I was picking up some other stuff (back bathroom vanity!) and did a double take… then decided, Naww, probably too Gilligan Island hokey
coralbrook, I agree. It’s a cliche.
You were right to keep moving on that one 
Plus with the rope I think it would be a pain to clean.
Sent a photo of Gilligan Island pendant to my real estate agent and she loves it and wants me to get them. I think I will just pick up a couple next time I’m in Lowes - just to hold up against the others so I can convince her that they are too hokey. I like to get 3-4 choices and hold them up after kitchen cabinets and countertops get in.
Question: does the rope end up casting shadows? I had a light fixture (notice the past tense!) that had some banding on it that cast a pattern, and found it really annoying. It is gone.