The REL-2P32-SC is an Advance brand ballast. I've used a bunch of them. I'd call them low- to mid-line ballasts, but they work fine. Note that these ballasts do produce a small amount of audible hum. I don't see any flicker, and startup is very fast. The difference between the REL and REB ranges is that the former is a commercial unit and the latter is a residential unit. The REL has a much better power factor and radiates far lower harmonic distortion on the power line. These qualities are more important in commercial applications than in the home, but if the REL doesn't cost much more I'd go for it over the REB. Either ballast should be used only with T8 lamps, but T8s will fit the old lampholders just fine. The lampholders have two pins; just connect them together as the wiring diagram shows. To my eyes 6500K is freezing cold, like an overcast winter's day. I prefer a color temperature of 2700K to 3500K. Regardless of the CT you choose, be sure to get CRI (color rendering index) in the 82 range, not in the 70s. It really makes a difference in the quality of the light.

You can use recessed fluorescent fixtures but don't install incandescent recessed fixtures and put CF lamps in them.

I've pretty much decided to move the stove to between the windows. Then the island will be for prep. I'll add a prep sink and a pull out trash can. Seem good? I am going sapele for most of the cabinets, with bamboo glass inserts on some of the uppers to lighten them. Still debating whether to do the uppers or the island in white. Any other suggestions? I have been disappointed with the kitchen shops in my area, but I found Barker cabinets online through Houzz and am very excited about those.

I"ve been staining wood a very long time. Don't tell me gel stains don't penetrate and that you should do 4 coats. you are not supposed to do 4 coats. gel stains do get lightly absorbed into the wood with also sitting on the surface. But It's not nail polish christinero. GF has enough pigments to 'stain' the wood w/one coat. putting on additional coats results in a tacky, gummy finish, and could also result in cabinets w/a poor finish, especially for a kitchen. this is from GF website on applying gel stain: Optional: apply a second coat to deepen the color. Apply no more than 2 coats https://generalfinishes.com/wood-finishes-retail/oil-based-wood-stains-sealers/oil-based-gel-stains I have worked w/ GF stains on many, many wood projects. one coat is fine. Like I said, if you want a darker color, then go with a darker shade. there is no need to do 4 coats! good lord. why create more work for yourself? Gel stains act more like a paint and tend to hide the grain of the wood. I would never use a gel stain on a beautiful piece of walnut, tiger oak or bridseye maple. it would cover the beautiful wood details. If you want to use 3-4 coats of a gel stain, then you might as well use an espresso paint. you will get similar results with a lot less work. you will need at least 3 coats of a clear top coat after the stain dries. please read the above link for the complete how-to's in staining your cabs. especially this part Preparation for Projects with an Existing Finish and Christinero,,,,,there are dyes, stains and gels. all three penetrate, but at different levels. gels are the lightest and don't bring out the depth of the wood grain like the stain or even the dye would. (I've used all three). but gel stains still penetrate. gels have a heavier ratio of pigments and tend to give off more even looking coloring.