it can never be easy…

20 January 2011


because that would be too hard.

january 2011 004 1

I just wanted to take the space box down. I found a fixture on Overstock to replace it, (it reminded me of this $200 PB one)pb kitchen light 1


but it needed a little Krylon oil rubbed bronze action:january 2011 009 1
   This is what it looked like when my husband got the space box down:january 2011 012 1
We thought it would be a simple switch out process, but it turned into a 4 hr project. They had the light up with some wire that ran through the two holes and it wasn’t really anchored to anything. So, first he installed a junction box, but that wasn’t sturdy enough, so back to the hardware store he went, up into the attic, secured a different box to the studs up there, and wow, we still have painting and patching to do…

january 2011 013 1
But it’s a gajillion times better than the space box and it gives the most lovely light. Flourescent lights make me cah-razy!

32 comments

  1. Another fluorescent light hater here too!! Your new light looks great. We have some textured/popcorn ceilings going on too (1970's home)...hope the painting isn't too bad. :)

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  2. We ran into the same sort of thing when we took our ugly box down! Love your new fixture!

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  3. I had the exact same old light in my kitchen and I went with almost the same type of new light!! I found a bronze one with 5 halogen lights at Home Depot and we are just thrilled with it!! Of course, I had holes to patch and had to paint the ceiling, too. However, luckily since my hubby did the electric when we built the house 15 years ago, there was plenty of support. Don't you just love it????

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  4. Very nice, Melissa! It's also a much nicer update to track lighting {which I have in my kitchen}. My parents had that space box when they moved into their house several years ago and I believe it was one of the first things to go. I hate fluorescent lights, too. It's bad enough I have them at the day job; wouldn't want to come home to them!

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  5. I have a box in my kitchen as well. I'd like it down but my husband likes it. It does give off lots of light and we never ever have to change the lightbulbs. So, tell me, do you feel that your new lighting give off enough light? I'd love to try to sway him to take it down and replace it for me.

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  6. That is going to be awesome!! My projects always take longer than I expect too...hmmm...

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  7. I love the new fixture. We did the same, replaced the fluorescent with track lighting in ORB, and I love it!!

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  8. I'm sorry it wasn't as simple as it should have been. . . but honestly, won't it have been worth all the time?! What a great change!!

    How's the cupboard painting going? You know we're all excited to see your big kitchen reveal. That's going to be such a fun post!

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  9. First time seeing your blog, just snooping and come across your PS about Lands End. OMG, I'm so happy. A jacket I've wanted for months can now be mine. ThankyouthankyouTHANKYOU for the promo code! Yay.

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  10. Rachel: it does give off enough light for us, but we also have recessed lighting not far from it. You would be able to find one that would cover it, especially the ones with 5 lights.

    Richella: ask me when I'm finished! Right now, between snow days with the kids, trying to figure out paint colors, shopping for fabric, and getting ready for Blissdom next week, I'm about ready to pull my hair out! The finished post won't be for a loooong time, I'm afraid...

    Mrs. EJ: yay! you go get that coat and wear it proudly.

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  11. I just don't understand the reason for the big box in the first place. Oh well. haha! I love your new fixture so much better. I wish I had the money to order some stuff from LE. I love them.

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  12. Carmen: who ever let those be sold in stores, anyway??

    Lands End: I just got some snow gloves for the kids, a swimsuit for my daughter (they are the only ones that seem don't seem to ride up or down everywhere) a big beach bag for me and some matching Christmas pjs for the boys next year. Crazy good prices and you can't beat LE quality.

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  13. I have been wanting to switch out our kitchen light fixture ever since we moved in. I'm just not quite sure how to do it and my husband doesn't want to deal with the stress of figuring it out.
    I love your new fixture!

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  14. So jealous. We just replaced our space box in our kitchen with.....another space box. The new one is SO much better, as it has ORB trim and detailing....but it is still a box over flourescent lights.

    If we'd not just dropped $120 on the new light, I'd totally be telling my hubby we were going to go with track lighting similar to yours.....

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  15. Christine: It *shouldn't* be hard...our original light wasn't put up correctly, so it made it a headache, but once you get the box down, it's just like installing any other light fixture and there are lots of tutorials online of how to do it. You can do it!!

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  16. your new light is very pretty and looks awesome!

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  17. Thanks for the Lands End info! Awesome deals.

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  18. Beautiful light - I'm very jealous! It looks gorgeous!

    And bless you forever for posting the Land's End deal - I got 15 items for $67!!!

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  19. Love the light! We have an ugly flourescent as well. Boo!

    Lands End: Love that store! FYI If your purchase goes to a lower price within 14 days, call them and ask for a price adjustment.

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  20. Thanks so much for the awesome Lands End deal! I was able to get snow pants, coats, NICE dress pants, etc for the family for SUPER cheap!

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  21. Love the new light...Way better than the previous one! Thanks for the LE deal I got 9 items for $54.00 including 2 pairs of shoes. Can't wait to get everything!

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  22. Unreal--I had Lands End merchandise in a virtual shopping bag in another window...by ordering one more pair of mittens, I qualified for the deal and spent *less* minus the shipping and with the discount than I would have before. Cannot thank you enough for the timely tip!

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  23. Such an improvement! Fluorescent lights are really bad - why anyone keeps them up is beyond me!

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  24. Thank you so much for the LE reminder and code! I just saved over $40 stocking up for next winter! Thank you!!

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  25. We replaced the ugly florescent box in our kitchen with something similar, but with a more scrolly design. I think it was from Lowes or Home Depot. It's way better then what was there and I can direct the lights right where I need it. Luckily ours had the hookup right in the middle where we needed it.

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  26. I am affiliated with LE, my husband works in the corporate office here in WI. Just sayin' that up front. But just wanted to throw out to everyone that LE products are 100% guaranteed. You can return anything at any time if you have a problem with it. Occasionally in company meetings they bring in a car that was returned to Lands End...even though they don't sell cars. Just a reminder to employees that the customer comes first. Also, Lands End Canvas is having the same sale. I am awaiting the arrival of some gorgeous boots. They were $225 and they are now $90. Yes please.

    And lastly, I want to throw in with everyone and say, Yes! Why were those light fixtures ever made? It was never a good idea. Your new one looks great.

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  27. Congratulations! That's so awesome. We have a little house that has mismatched lighting galore. AND it's one of those older homes that doesn't have lights in the livingroom. WHO DOES THAT!? Hope you are well girlly!

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  28. The new light looks great--too bad they couldn't make changing light fixtures don't come with a "quick disconnect" and snap in attachment.

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  29. Oh how I wish we could replace the space boxes in our kitchen but my husband is in the Air Force and we live on base.... the fluorescent lights make me crazy too. The kitchen is always too dark using lamps but I just cannot handle those terrible lights. I love the fixture that you chose.

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  30. We have fluorescent lighting in our kitchen and we are dying to get it down! Your new light looks lovely :-)

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  31. Oh my gosh, those "space boxes" in the kitchen are so ugly! We took ours down a year ago and have had a HOLE in the ceiling for....well a year. We didnt' get as lucky as you. Our ceiling wasn't all nice underneath. There's a huge hole, massive peeling paint (read: LEAD poisoning) and we dont' know what to do with it!! Love your new fixture. Our ceiling is #1 on our 2011 do to list! {And we've already worked on projects #2, 6, 7. I'm afraid project #1 will be done LAST!} http://mygreenbraecottage.blogspot.com/2011/01/house-goals-for-2011.html

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