Those EcoSmart units are really what I would have used if they had been available > 2 years ago. I think the form factor and output will not change significantly (if at all) since it is good enough. There are LED solutions in the same market segment from CSL too, but they're really expensive. LED MR16s on the other hand will continue improving since the output currently cannot match halogen MR16s > 20W. No, I've not seen MR16 used alone in kitchens for general lighting. Mainly for accent/ decorative lighting. In the situations where I've seen MR16s used, either they were too under powered or too few. Halogen MR16 (50W) should be able to produce up to 800 lumens (max). IMO, I won't lower the ceiling.

Lovely combination of fabrics and colors. Just a thought - are they stain-resistant, and are they washable? Babies are known for messes from both ends, and dry-cleanable fabrics could be an issue. The one other thought I have on the fabrics is that I would do the window seat cushion in the darker coral solid, with perhaps the polka dot for welting, which will create nice continuity with the insides of the cubbies and bulkhead. Then I would use the polka dot, stripe, and floral for the throw pillows, doing one side of each in the prints, and the other in a solid, for more interest. The flat plane of the window cushion wonÂt give you the same impact in the prints that the pillows will. I would do the crib skirt in the stripe, with box pleats inset with the solid fabric. As for the wall color, I would be inclined to go for a very pale shade of the coral or the green, rather than white.

Welcome Krista! Do you have a fully-measured layout of the space for your Kitchen? A sketch of the entire floor the Kitchen is on is also very helpful. The Kitchens Forum has a set of FAQs that describe everything from how to ask for layout help and what information we need to discussing good design principles/best practices for a kitchen layout. I'll post the info below. [As an FYI, I'm in the process of cleaning up the FAQs (they were the victim of the migration to Houzz a couple of years ago) as well as updating other information to reflect the changes made by Houzz last Friday.] This is a sample layout of what I'm asking for. Note the information on the layout -- this information really helps! It includes the widths of each wall/window/door/doorway and the distances b/w each wall/window/door/doorway as well the locations of immovable objects, etc. If something like water cannot be moved, that should be marked as well. . The resources... Kitchen Design Best Practices/Guidelines threads - These threads explain best practices/good design guidelines for items such as work zones, aisles, island/peninsula seating, etc. These threads will help you understand questions/comments you will receive. Layout Help - FAQ for asking for layout help. It has a sample measured layout as well as a description of the other information we need Read Me thread - Other, helpful information for using and navigating the Kitchens Forum. Especially useful if you are new to the Kitchens Forum! . New to Kitchens? Read Me First! http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4306041/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first . Layout Help: How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information-should-i-include . Kitchen Design Best Practices/Guidelines threads: Kitchen work zones, what are they? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638270/faq-kitchen-work-zones-what-are-they Aisle widths, walkways, seating overhangs, work and landing space, and others http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638304/faq-aisle-widths-walkways-seating-overhangs-work-landing-space-etc How do I plan for storage? Types of Storage? What to Store Where? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638376/faq-how-do-i-plan-for-storage Ice. Water. Stone. Fire (Looking for layout help? Memorize this first) http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2699918/looking-for-layout-help-memorize-this-first

If you choose aluminum clad wood, be aware of the maintenance issues, particularly in certain climates. Years ago, the upper end of some brands of wood casements were made using Douglas Fir. When the casements were left open for long periods of time, the windows failed to close properly. Although I doubt that's an issue at present, it's something you may wish to inquire about. If you're seeking virtually no maintenance, go with fiberglass. It lacks the warmth of real wood, but avoids maintenance on wood sections. W hatever you select, you'll need skilled craftsmen to provide you with superior installation skills. You'll notice that some parts of the country have experienced many more installation problems than others, dependent upon the brand. Marvin appears to have a stellar reputation. I agree with millworkman's rankings. Loewen makes great doors, as well. Research the dealer's/installment team's reputations, as well as the company's customer service/warranty.