My recommendation is to contrast the flooring. When you try to blend, unless you get it exact - it may look bad. As it relates to the hanging light fixture, it depends on whether you want something linear and contemporary or something traditional.

I would contrast as well- the flooring on the left looks like you are trying to match the cabinets to closely- Is there a flooring in between the two on the floor in the picture you could look into?

We could keep looking around, these are the two we like the best. My husband really likes the wide plank honey Oak so he is happy with your advice.

As far as light fixtures I would like something contemporary, this is such a small room and I don't want it to hang too low so it does not hang in front of the TV. I like to watch TV while I cook so I need to be able to see the TV from the kitchen.

A light floor that is similar in color to the counter would add some brightness to your space. I suggest using another recessed light over the counter area to give the illusion of a higher ceiling. . Anything dangling will block your TV view and make the ceiling height seem lower.

simple rail light , will work. the lighter color floor.https://www.houzz.com/products/sea-gull-lighting-94515-ambiance-monorail-kit-prvw-vr~6561056

Would the light get locked between the beams with a light like this? I thought I would have to have something that dropped down below the beams to light up the room.

I like the flooring on the right best . And for lighting , as it's a small area ... have you thought of a nice ceiling fan light kit or a semi flush mount light ?

Scratch the ceiling fan idea .. the space is too small . Sorry just noticed

Yes it is a very small dark area!

Thanks for the pictures, I really appreciate it! I have trouble visualizing how it will look!

I would go with a semi flush mount . That should help .

And yes agree With the rail lighting .

Ceiling light is not needed in a seating area.....use lamps instead. An overhead light is very harsh.

As a suggestion for the light, keep in mind that if it's directly between the couch and the TV, you'll want something that won't be too distractingly bright for the person watching TV from the couch. Any type of recessed lighting, or something that even hides behind one of the beams would look great!

We can not put recessed lighting in the little living room area because there is no room, we have a 2 story home. Rail or semi flush mount could work. I guess everyone agrees on me going with the lighter floor in the picture? It seems to blend with the counter color to me.....

This is just my preference but, we have a light counter and similar colored cabinets . We went with Hand scraped light hickory and absolutely love it . Gives great contrast and get tons of compliments. Remember to always go with what you like . You're the one that has to live with it . Do what makes you happy and is appealing to your eyes .