We have the Kichler system--the same concept (?). Originally our electrician spaced the "lampholders" pretty far apart (like 10", and he'd told us he was going to space them about 6" apart). I ended up purchasing more holders and spaced them about 4.5"-5" apart (I think!). We're happy with the light they give (put them on a dimmer switch, but rarely if ever dim them--like knowing we can on those rare occasions though). Only thing I hate is having to jiggle or tap some of the holders to get them to light up when I turn them on.

That is a question best addressed by your local building inspector. If the inspector takes the wording in the NEC literally, then you are out of luck using the sleeve. You should take the data sheet to the inspector & get his/her position clarified before starting work. However, you can use the Romex without using boxes. I haven't heard of any inspectors that require a box to make the transition from low voltage cable to romex.

The Velos is Whirlpool's speed cook oven. It is a microwave, convection, broiler, uber-scuber oven. It's an over-the range that we put over the counter & will trim out to look built in. Killer features: It's 2.0 cubic feet and most micros are 1.5. True convection Steam sensor so you can cook with a steamer Crisping and broiling.Soften and melt. But the real killer is the menu-driven user interface - it has a huge set of recipes/food types that you just select and the Velos tells you what to do and then pans to use and then it combines the cooking methods and cook time for you. It's pretty awesome. You set it up and then let it work. We had frozen chicken fingers tonight and they were quick and superb - crispy on the outside and moist in the middle. And DH cooked the whole meal on his own! We were joking tonight that we should have gotten two. Here's a long thread about the Velos. You can get the same oven from KitchenAid that is a true built-n but it's smaller and more expensive. The Velos is about $800-900 Here is a link that might be useful: Velos thread

Thanks so much everyone for all the nice comments! My primary goals in doing the kitchen remodel were to update the look, improve functionality and to warm up the color scheme using vibrant earth tones for a slightly Tuscan feel. I have been very happy with the transformation. Its amazing how some paint and granite can make such a difference. I had to look up my old notes to find the names of several of our materials used but here is the short list as requested: My Granite is called EL DORADO and is from Brazil. My Backsplash tile is a Mexican Travertine 3x6 Subway called DESERT CREAM IMPERIAL from Florida Tile Kitchen Sink is a Blanco 1-3/4 Anthracite Silgranite Kitchen Faucet is the Lady Grohe Cooktop is the Thermador 30 inch Induction with the Popup Vent system Double Ovens are the 27 inch Kitchenaid Architect Series II Microwave is the GE Profile model PVM2070DM1BB Beverage Center is the MARVEL 15 inch BARM-BB-G with the all black framed glass door Original 20 year old dark cherry cabinetry custom made by Dutch Mills in Goshen Indiana. Under cabinet lighting is Seagull Ambiance Xenon Low Voltage Linear Lighting on dimmers. Kitchen window shades are Graber brand light filtering pleated shades, Lucia model and the color is Elderberry 4050 We used all BEHR paints but some of the colors were custom mixed. The yellow kitchen walls and soffits were a Restoration Hardware color called SAFFRON which we had color matched in the BEHR paint The burgundy accent color used on the kitchen windows and on the powder room walls was BEHRs CURRANT JAM The Sunroom walls were BEHRs WHISPERING PINE The Sunroom Ceiling was a Restoration Hardware color BAY LAUREL that we color matched in BEHR Hallway to laundry was BEHRs CUP OF COCOA Laundry room walls were BEHRs AUTUMN GOLD Regarding the questions about removing the light box over the island. My neighbor did most the remodel work for me. He is a licensed electrician and just removed the wood box frame and fluorescent fixtures. We luckily had an intact drywall ceiling under the light box so it just involved installing new pendant and recessed can lights in the ceiling by repositioning the original wiring from the light box and installing the new fixtures. There was minimal drywall patching required. We upgraded to dimmer switches also.