How will you pose for your Miss Photogenic photo op? Will you go with the Carmen Miranda fruit bowl tiara? Or would the Easter egg thingamadooeys suffice? Decisions, decisions..... Maybe Grover could photo shop each one with your dress so we can decide? We wouldn't want to break any decorating rules because we do have our reputations to uphold. LOLOLOLOLOL

There are several ways to visually widen a narrow hall and shorten a long hall. Floor: To widen a narrow hall use a diagonal floor treatment, e.g. stencil large diamond pattern on floor. To shorten the hall, use two or three runners to break up the length of floor rather than one long runner. Walls: Long walls can appear shorter by breaking up the horizontal lines.. This can be done by arranging pictures in groups rather than distributing them along the length of the wall. Hang a large painting, print or tapestry on the end wall or paint your door an accent color to create a feature. Another way to shorten a wall is create vertical sections on the wall. Trim can be used to create panels, groupings of art can create sections or large objects such as a mirror can define the segments. Directed lighting illuminating these section will also de-emphasize the length of walls. Ceiling: Minimize the visual impact of a long hall by bringing attention to the ceiling. One approach is to align the panel wall sections with ceiling panels or coffers. Or hang interesting pendant lights or a bold chandelier to redirect visual interest away from the walls.

A niche would be a good way to add some drama without infringing on your circulation space. It doesn't have to be deep to be effective. You can do one simple vertical rectangle, and line the back with a mirror, or add some colour with paint, wallcovering or wood. It would be great if you could also add a recessed light fixture at the top. The attached images are perhaps too busy for your situation, but it gives you a good idea of what can be done. Good luck!

If you get a small flush mount fixture, it should be OK. Another solution would be to get a pendant fixture and swag the chain/cord over to the center of the island. I once had this problem in a client's dining room. We installed a chandelier centered over the table and used a ceiling medallion to hide the off-centered junction box. Does that make sense?