Hi jmcgowan, Can't wait to see your F&B Pointing painted cabinets. Pointing was one of our top choices -- such a beautiful color! Our kitchen isn't that big by kitchen standards these days (it is 274 square feet). So the calm continuity of the same color on cabinets and trim works well in our ''smaller'' space. In general, however, I do like the play of different shades of white layered together in a room. So I certainly don't think there is anything wrong with picking a different white for the trim. In some cases it might add the depth or slight contrast that the room needs. My sense from your drawing is that your kitchen is quite a bit larger; perhaps that is why your architect thinks that in your space having different trim and cabinet colors will work well. I'd encourage him to tell you a bit more about his thinking on this. Again, he may well be right. In any case, once your cabinets are installed, if you decide you want to match (or not match) you can make that decision at that time. As for the counters, we had some rough ideas about what our counter top colors/material might be before we ordered the paint color for our cabinets; but we didn't know for sure. That was a bit of a gamble.

Marcolo's (?) post in that thread is exactly what I was referring to of improper or non existent details. In most of the images everything appears to be thrown in with no rhyme or reason whatsoever. A coffered ceiling can have just a single panel too. You seem to be on the right track in that you are paying attention to the details of how they meet the cabinets, lighting etc.. If you'd care to post you lighting and cabinet plan and a profile of your "beam" I could give you some ideas on how to properly detail it. Ian

Hi. I have a sort of odd question. I recently purchased a drum chandelier with a fabric shade. It holds 3 60w bulbs and is open on top with a glass diffuser on the bottom. Though I love the look of the chandelier itself, I am not crazy about the way that it reflects a lot of light off of the ceiling. I guess I prefer the look of more downward directed light. I got a great deal on this light and hope that I can find a way to make it work. Would it be possible to use some sort of opaque material to cover the top so that all off the light is reflected downward? I’m not sure what type of material I would use, but it would have to be heat-proof of course. Would doing this create too much heat inside of the shade? The sockets are labeled 550W And I’m using LEDs.

I would continue with China White. In my experience, the surfaces of the ceiling and the crown molding change as the materials acclimate to their new environment. You will be more happy if you don't see those differences.