in response to anonymous' request, here is what the kitchen looks like, classroom ceiling hiding, so you can insert a tin ceiling in with your imagination and the below photo. by the way, we will be taking that not-great-with-silver cream color off the walls too. 
any further suggestions from the peanut gallery? all white paint? turquoise window trim? i'm happy that the retro schoolhouse lamp is tied for first place, as it was my favorite. still looking at your suggestions, though. and then, for my final insecurity, am i crazy to paint the ceiling silver? a lot of people paint theirs white. the only reason i waver is i'm afraid to cut out any light. thoughts?
