Several comments It may be easier to take down the existing ceiling and put up new sheet rock than to patch many holes. That should be something to discuss with your GC. Another factor is that the final location of the cans depends on the layout of the ceiling joists, ductwork, plumbing and anything else that could restrict the vertical height. If all the light is coming from the cans, you'd need either higher output lamps or more cans. Your electrician will gladly install all the cans you ask for given that the installation is usually priced per can (eg - ~ $100 labor charge per can for installation). Another way to look at lighting is to ensure that the important task areas are well illuminated and supplement the general lighting using pendants, cove lighting, UCL. UCL does a better job of illuminating the task areas than can lights. I used the 35 lumen per sq ft to get an initial estimate of the number of cans I needed. Some were eliminated to account for UCL output, other lights and practical constraints. I currently use the UCL more than the recessed lighting. .Remodel cans cost less than new construction cans. However, they are clipped onto the sheet rock unlike new construction cans which are nailed into the ceiling joists and therefore better supported. If there are a significant number of cans to be installed, the labor cost will be the largest component. In addition, the strength of the sheet rock is reduced when more holes are cut. Check out http://creebulb.com for more details on what is available from Cree.

medium oak floor and medium stained brown base cabinets...I'd prefer either glass doored uppers or white uppers..... or if you want brown uppers intersperse some open shelves....probably light counters and whitish tone backsplash if the white appliances are for the longterm. At the eye level is where you can mix in either open shelves....cabinets without doors....white cabinets... therefore making less of a contrast with ALL white appliances against all brown cabinets. Two toned kitchens are in favour-you have a good opportunity for that approach. The wood species depends on your home and the general style....country?-alder with the knots....modern-quartersawn oak in slab or shaker doors.....rustic?...hickory with stain and glaze can be great.

On costs: I assume you're wanting to know generally how much things cost so you can make a decision about whether you can afford this. This advice is just ballpark general, not meant to give you a solid number, but an idea. Are you thinking of a contractor to take care of demo, electrical, plumbing, cabinet installation, painting, and possibly flooring? If you need someone to remove a load bearing wall and add in a supporting header, you'll almost surely need a pro. The advantage of a (good) contractor is that things will get done on a reasonable time schedule and done right (cross your fingers). He or she will also pull permits and call the permit people for inspections (if someone says he "doesn't do" permits - run). Using a contractor will almost double your budget, but has obvious benefits. If you DIY, you save money, but you also extend your timeline and rely on your ability to do the labor. You'll probably still need to find a plumber, electrician, and maybe a cabinet installer and flooring person. If that's a load bearing wall, you'll probably need a carpenter and a drywall person. You still need permits, so you have to go down to the city and figure out how that works. DIY should only be undertaken if you're good with tools, good with measuring, have patience and an even temper, and know what lies beyond your skill set. If you work full time, plan on this project taking a goodly amount of time and stress. Do you need new appliances? The first time we did this we only needed a new fridge. We're pretty middle of the road on our appliance tastes and budget, so a refrigerator we were really pleased with was around $1200 on sale. More recently we needed everything, so around $1300 for new fridge, $1100 for an induction range, and $850 for a Bosch dishwasher (worth it!) - we try to hit sales. Cabinets come in a big price range. At the least expensive end you can go with Ikea cabinets, which people here think highly of. Prices I've heard range from $4000-$8000 for Ikea. Along the same lines you can check out Barker and Scherrs online for doors for Ikea boxes or the whole cabinet. Both come with good recommendations from GWers. After that, you can find decent to fabulous cabinets fully assembled that will run from around $10,000 to $60,000. Ours for a small to medium-small kitchen ran about $14,000 and we'd do it again even if we had $35,000 to spend if we wanted to. Other stuff: Sinks can range from $150 for something simple to $2000 for fancy-schmancy. Figure at least $400 for a main sink and possibly some more for a cleanup sink. Faucets can range from $100-$1200 or more. Range hoods, microwaves, backsplash tile, countertops (at least $5000 unless you do laminate), pendants for over the island, and general and undercabinet lighting (always more than you think) all add up. If I had to guess based on your current kitchen and what you want to do, I'd guess you're looking at a minimum of $35,000 if you spend very carefully. $50,000 wouldn't be unreasonable.

Hi everyone! Thank you SO MUCH for all of the feedback - beyond helpful and appreciated. So, looking back at the photos, the color/character that comes through on the photographs aren't quite true to the real deal. While the cabinets aren't the typical honey oak, they aren't the walnut with character like the photos look to show. Either way, I'm definitely hearing that many of you think I should not paint them - well noted! We're not quite sold on painting them and have been nervous to do so - we've heard oak doesn't paint well etc. With that said, I think I could have been more thorough in my original post in what I think the kitchen is lacking - which is contrast. While the pics don't show it the best, the flooring is the exact same color as the cabinets - and the countertop and backsplash don't add any contrast. I'm liking the idea of changing the countertops and backsplash (put in by previous owner which I've wanted to change anyways) and putting in runners! Brilliant! As for the island - it is really too small and we would like to have island seating for entertaining etc. - people tend to just stand around the kitchen when we have friends or family over and it would just make it more inviting to have island seating. My thought is to have a custom island made - and paint it cream for a contrast. I then plan on adding a cozy little area in front of the fireplace with a few chairs and eating in the dining room instead of the kitchen - old school style! I like the idea of a hood over the stove - how much does this usually run... ballpark? I also like the idea of white trim - is painting trim a bad idea - would you suggest just replacing it altogether?