Maureen, I think these contractors have warehouses full of contractor-grade ugly light fixtures because every conversation that I have with them takes me no where.  Between hollywood strip lights in the bathroom, round globes above the kitchen sink and these fluorescents their houses do stand out from the crowd but not in a good way. 

I think most counties and states have built into the building codes that there has to be fluorescents in certain locations in new builds but to install these today is just awful. 

Next I'm working on renewing a fluorescent recessed light box....the ones with the acrylic panels that we also see in too many kitchens.  I think that we have a good alternative going in and I will post the results when it's done. 

Thanks a lot for commenting. 

Nicola, glad to be of help.  I too want a couple of these because the first photo is from my mud room and I want to replace 2 of them.    The problem will be convincing my very practical and not asthetically minded husband that it's a worthy purchase and install. 

I also found these online at, Lamps Plus (I think?) but they were much more expensive. 

Patricia, as I said above to Maureen,  my husband would think that would be fine too.  AHHH, no way.  He can put them in his shop or garage ALL DAY but not in the house.  Your mountain vacation house sounds like a fun project. 

Allegra I totally agree.  It's one of the first things that I often recommend to sellers. Afterall when the lights are on what are potential buyers going to notice?  Thanks for commenting. 

Patty, thank you for commenting.  Now I have to convince some sellers to use these! 

Cindy thanks so much for commenting and for adding the picture of yours.  I didn't see this one at my Home Depot so I will have to go on-line and search it out.  I think that my hubby would agree to these in most locations. 

Michelle I hear what you're saying.  I've finally found a handy-man that will do simple electrical fixture switch-outs without charging electrician's rates.  Changing fixtures is so simple but if people are afraid of electricity then I always recommend they hire it done.  If I can do it, anyone can but I have learned how to be safe so as not to be afraid. 

This week's TO DO LIST is contact these local contractors and show them what they SHOULD be using and these are still in keeping with our building codes. 

Thanks for commenting. 

Judith, thanks for the comment.  What is a sunshine ceiling?  Never heard of that one? 

Cindy, thanks for the update.  I checked out Home Depot's online selection of fixture and the ones I photographed plus yours are my favorites for replaces the old long ones. 

Terrylynn, it's about time wouldn't you say.  I'm so tired of walking into all of the spec. houses and see the same OLD stuff.  Wouldn't you think that these builders would consult a specialist once and a while?  Perhaps I'm dreaming because it appears that it's all about the bottom line, contractor- grade fixtures...yuck!  If that what buyer's see, what's behind the walls??? It would make me wonder. 

Hi Cindy, you mean you don't care for that green cast?  I resist trying on clothing in stores where there's only flourescents because besides looking green, my hair turns bronzy...yuck.  However, here in Calif. they are required by building code in some rooms, so thankfully they don't have to look so utilitarian anymore.  Thanks for commenting. 

Kelly thanks for your input.  As much as we know that these are utility lights, for the garage or workshop, some contractors continue to install them and I can't convince them to do something else.  I guess that they need to hear from their buyers that they won't accept these low-dollar fixtures and that there are alternatives available.