Thanks for your replies! These aren't things "I" have to have... most of these came from a thread from about 3 years ago and I wanted to eliminate things that are unnecessary or overkill which I know is quite a few. Allison, I apologize for the length. I, many times, have opened loooong posts and quickly returned to the main page. Thanks for coming back. ;) David - I should have removed Cat 7 from the list. Electrician already told me he uses Cat 5. You're right they were copied, that's why they don't make sense. As far as expense, if I pre-wire for many of these will that cut down a lot on the price initially? I should have added that in my first post. This is a whole house remodel and addition, and unfortunately we won't have a garage anymore, just a storage area, so the outlet for the extra refrigerator will be in the laundry room. I'm deleting extras now. I thought the 4 light switches were a bit much myself. Thanks for your help.

I folks. I haven't had a time to catch up with forum reading today. DH and I are on vacation in Charleston! What a beautiful city. I can't stay on the computer long, but I wanted to thank everyone for the great lamp suggestions. Nanny2a - I love that lamp! That just might be a winner, although it is more than I wanted to pay. So what do you guys thing of that one? Does it have a cottagey feel? I am through trying to match the one in the inspiration picture, but do want to stay with the feel of the room. I saw an alabaster lamp at Homegoods a few days ago. I'm going to look at it again when I get home. I know the shade was awful, but I could change that. My3Dogs, I want to take another look at the marble ones you found. I can't use the brass lamp I have, 'cause I only have one. Mom2Reese - that red lamp has a pretty shape, and I might end up having to paint, but I'm hoping to find one ready to plug in. Kimberly - here is a link to some of the pictures. There are other pictures of it on another sight. I can give those to you once I get home. Or google Carolina Jessamine Cottage Here is a link that might be useful: Cottage Link

Yes, you break out the plastic KO. Wires are not clamped but rely on the staple that you will install within 8" of the box. The box that you used could be used in conjunction with a surface extension box in order to transition the concealed wiring to a surface mounted exposed wiring method. Next time, do your electrical shopping at an electrical supply houseand you might have a little better luck.

Lamp value has to do with the materials, design and surfaces and sometimes the maker. It depends on what the body is made from -- how valuable that material and fabrication might be. There are manufacturers like Circa lighting and Arteriors known for high quality (well made and finished) lamps and there are loads of contemporary/industrial lamp designers. Often, the cost is related to materials or the intricacy of the lamp's construction or licensing -- i.e. a designer's name used by a manufacturer. You pay extra, say for Philippe Starck's Miss K lamp due to the designer. Mainly the value lies in what the body is made of how well the lamp is constructed and wired. Lamps that are artisanal --i.e. hand made -- can be expensive, especially if they are older or antique. F.ex. there were tons of gorgeous lamps made in France before & after WWII by artists who worked in various materials. Some materials -- like real bronze that's cast and is a living finish -- are rare in lamps today. The famous sculptor Giacometti had a brother, Diego, who made bronze lamps and coffee tables during the 1950s which are works of art. Those go for a fortune, obviously. During the mid-20th century lamps were fashionable and many artists and sculptors made them. You see those getting big prices due to scarcity value if they are in good condition. But otherwise, I don't see why anyone would pay a huge price for a new lamp unless it has an unusual design or it's a special material. I buy lamps at local auctions and house sales because they go for very little and can be wonderful. But pretty much all my lamps are antique Chinese ginger jars which I've bought separately and had mounted. For me, those are "good," as opposed to a lamp with some type of simulated finish. Shades can be very expensive and add to the value. There's a woman in Italy who makes crazy cool custom shades - Paola Napoleone. Older English lamp shades are so much fun with very eccentric shapes and ball fringe. Shades can be custom as well or even made to match. I have both silk and parchment. I now only use LED bulbs in my lamps because those don't get hot and that prolongs the life of shades dramatically.