Here is the question:
Hi Tim,
We recently gave our kitchen a ‘makeover’ that involved new countertops and appliances. Soon we’ll have new flooring & now, thanks to you, I’m determined to have painted cabinets, too. 
The one thing that’s lacking is a great lighting solution. Due to the way our house is situated, the kitchen is fairly dark throughout the day. We had a giant (super ugly) plastic covered fluorescent that went out with the old laminate countertop and appliances. We currently have some pendant lights & a track…that don’t really offer enough wattage to light the entire kitchen sufficiently. We’ve talked about recessed lighting, but don’t want to get out of our league with a project that we can’t handle. As you talk about often, the budget is not exactly expansive. Is there something we could do ourselves that would illuminate our kitchen or shall we live like cave dwellers until we can afford a professional?
Thanks,
Jenn
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Hi Jenn!
Yes, there is something you can do yourself that will give you great light in your kitchen without breaking the bank. Exactly what that is depends on a number of things and as i started to write them out I found myself wishing I could just answer the question verbally, so that’s what I did! The audio player and download link is at the bottom of this post.
I’ve also gone out and found a few links for you that might help.
The photo above is from the following post, which mentions lighting:
DoItYourself.com has a whole category on electrical and there are thousands more resources online.
I also mentioned a new wire that is flat. I’m not sure it’s really ready for widespread use yet, but here is the link:
http://www.flatwirestore.com/mm5/LVL.html
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And here is the audio of my answer:
Podcast: Download
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I do hope that you will provide those of us without a way to listen to your answers a written copy of what you said! There are an awful lot of ‘audio answers’ today and I would love to know the answers to some of them but am not able to listen for various reasons. Thanks!
.-= Kristi @ Creative Kristi´s last blog ..Happy Friday!! =-.
I will look into having the audio transcribed, but I recorded about 6000 words in the answers and I have no idea what that will cost.
I don’t get paid for doing this and I can’t afford to put much into it from an expense perspective. But I will check.
I’m very sorry for that though. I mean to make all of my work accessible to as many people as possible and I just didn’t think of that. I will think of it in the future.
Tim
Hi Tim!
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question & link new information. I’m so appreciative!
We are of the 2 story house persuasion–so no lucky attic space…I can’t wait to share what you’ve said with my husband and get his opinion on our solution. Truthfully, he’s so tired of my ‘big’ ideas, he’ll probably want to bring the ugly plastic fluorescent back in!
As readers, we’re all so lucky that you put the time and effort into sharing your knowledge with us. Thank you!
Hey Tim – here’s another question (since I missed my chance before): We have a brass chandelier that doesn’t appeal to me in either finish or shape, but my hubby likes it. I found one I like (and can afford!) but he doesn’t like it at all. How does the compromise work in replacing (or not) the chandelier (or whatever) if you and your spouse truly can’t agree? Do you each get to “win” sometimes? Do you keep looking in hopes that something will appeal to both of you? Ok, so this isn’t easy nor is it one question, but you’ve said we can remodel without losing our minds, money or marriage!
.-= Abbie´s last blog ..There is hope. =-.