I utilize potted ivy/hanging geraniums elsewhere with great success. With a little deadheading & fertilizer, they thrive. It's the middle of Dec and they're throwing out blooms like crazy. So yes, geraniums were at the top of my list although I was thinking about branching out. I love lantana although my experience with them is that they get quite large. And in my part of the world, they don't bloom well w/ winter shadows. Do you think a mish-mash of different flowers would be aesthetically better or worse than a consistent mix of 1-2 plant types (i.e. geraniums & petunias)? Also, do you keep your planter box flowers in their pots so you can trade them out twice a year? Or do you plant them in soil and treat them like perennials? Remember: I'm within 5 miles from the ocean and don't have to worry about frost. Southern CA has its issues, but weather is not one of them. I've lived in Seattle & Dallas and learned that many of the traditional rules don't apply to our gardens. Thanks...

CRAP I posted this in the wrong side of the forum....disregard this one and go to the one in the discussion side. Sorry!

Yes, all excellent suggestions! Kat--your trim looks fabulous, I wouldn't be able to tell, probably even if I was looking for it. You (and your carpenters) did a fantastic job. I also take comfort in the fact that, as you said, once there's a nice backsplash (yet to be chosen), counters and light fixtures, might not be as big of a deal. Buehl--No, you are right. I am concerned with everywhere, including over the cabinets, but the problem with the light board is that the sink area is intended to be a focal point in the room. So, I think the issue is most noticible there. Also--your trim idea is a GREAT one that I will file away for my next project (if there ever is one). Right now they are removing the moulding and doing a mock-up of lowering the light board. If that looks OK, I'm not quite as concerned about the variation from one side to the other. My thought process is, unless you looked quickly from one side to the next and back again, you might not necessarily notice the difference. Also, good eye buehl! In addition to the variation in overall height, there is a dip in the middle. I LOVE my ceiling. :) Thanks everybody.

First cut power to the ceiling box so you have no live wires. Then use a pliers to pull on each side of the box and figure out which side has the nail into a joist.. Use a reciprocating saw to cut right next to the outside of that side of the box and cut the nail off that is holding it (cut out just enough sheetrock for the blade to fit). Pull the box down and disconnect the wiring. Remove the wiring plugs on the side of the new box and insert the power wires into the box. Install the new box using the manufacturers instructions and tighten in place. It is adjustable so it can slide and be installed anywhere along the bracket, and you should be able to install it right next to the joist, or within about 1/2" of the original box installation. This may require slight cutting of sheetrock again. Use minimally expanding foam or putty to fill in the area around the box and seal it to the ceiling to prevent air infiltration from the attic. Wire up the new fan, which will have a base that is large enough cover the small areas you cut around the old box. Bruce