True, you do not want to cover recessed lighting with fan blades unless you like the strobe effect. In some ways I'd prefer two fans as it will cover more than one, and give the option of running just one. Let's remember that fans don't actually 'cool' a room, they move air around, and make us feel cooler from evaporation (I've seen people switch on a fan and leave the room for it to 'cool down' lol) Keep in mind the option of some sort of roof vent and/or ventilating skylight, that would be very effective in the evening.

I'll see if I can answer some of your questions... "(1) What are the SMALLEST size cans out there? And are smaller cans more difficult to install than the bigger ones? Generally for recessed down lighting, a 4" can is the smallest one should go." Installation of the can are not really an issue, it is more of a lamp replacement issue. Harder to replace a lamp inside a 4" can than a 6" can, less room to maneuver your fingers! "(2) Are 4" (or smaller) cans a fire hazard while 5" (and larger) cans are not????" It depends on the manufacturer's recommendations, whether a fixture is IC rated or not. Common speak, if the enclosure or assembly of the fixture is fire rated or not. Even if a fixture is NOT fire rated, an inspector will usually allow two layers of 5/8" drywall, in a box shape, around the fixture. This adds additional burn time before the fire reaches the attic. "(3) Is it true that recessed light dimmers will *not* work with energy efficient lights?" I am assuming you are talking about the CFLs. The first generation of CFLs were NOT manufactured to work with dimmers, yet people used them this way, thus cutting the life of the lamps down. Newer CFLs are labeled for dimming purposes. "(4) What lights / voltage is recommended for recessed lighting?" 110V-120V is fine. Low voltage is generally better for track lighting. "(5) Is it "harder" to install a fan with a shorter "rod" or "flushmount" fans (for a low / shorter ceiling) than one with a longer "rod"?????" Just the same, unless the installer attached the blades BEFORE lifting the assembly up. If your electrician is having a hard time installing a fan, go to the next one. Also, a ceiling fan rated junction box will need to be installed. These boxes are rated to hold weight of 50 or more pounds. "(6) How "difficult" is it to install a dimmer for the lights and program a remote control for the fans?" Two part question. 1.)To replace an existing single pole switch(common in bedrooms, baths) with a dimmer, simply remove existing and replace with new dimmer. To install a NEW dimmer switch next to an existing switch requires adding wire and fishing it thru the wall into the ceiling and to the fixture. 2.)Remote control for the fan is wired in between the incoming wire(existing wire in the ceiling) and the fan. VERY easy to do. It is basically a black box with a remote wire, power(black), neutral(white) and ground(bare copper or green) wire for incoming, and a power(black), neutral(white), ground(bare copper or green) and light(blue) wire for the fan. The box sits in the junction box of the fan.

I've had good luck with Hunter fans in the past, and in our new house with Lowe's Harbor Breeze brand (Hanover model) which were on deep discount several years ago in builder's packs at 2 for around $75. At that price we were willing to take a chance, and the fans have been wonderful. Very quiet, efficient, and move air well. We live in Alberta and don't have air conditioning; fans are in the living room, dining/kitchen area, master bedroom, and back porch where we also eat. I don't like fans with lights, and since I consider fans more function than form, I like them to blend into the ceiling to avoid detracting/distracting from the ceiling fixtures, and so all of our ceiling fans are white. It works for our house.

I'm not sure if this is how to attach photos, so I apologize if I didn't do this in the right place. The cabinets and all millwork will be knotty alder with a light brown glaze. Countertops are Cambria Quartz Berwyn. We haven't chosen flooring yet. Faucets and light fixtures will be oil-rubbed bronze.