Removing a drop ceiling soffit is not considered a structural change. The definition of "structural" is a part of a structure that bears a weight, or the structural piece used for such a part. A soffit is usually only cosmetic. It offers no support of any kind to the building. No engineering is needed to remove it. However, because the soffit is there it may conceal plumbing, electrical and HVAC if those trades took advantage of the space and make removal more than a carpentry, drywall and paint project.

Installing track lights into the well could be the opposite of a fresh look for the kitchen. Depending on the layout of the kitchen, a fresher look would be under cabinet lighting, recessed fixtures in the soffit at the edge of the counter tops, maybe a couple more recessed or a pendant in the well. The recessed and under cabinet can be new technology fluorescent with color temperature that blends with incandescent and have higher color rendering that what you are removing.

If you describe the space more fully others may have other ideas.

I know it's not structural in the load-bearing sense, but I'm trying to avoid re-framing and drywall. This is a minor kitchen re-model for the sake of selling the house in a few years. As for the space- it is simply a 10" deep recess, 4'X6', with a wood grid to support the crackle stuff. There are two 4' fluorescent fixtures up inside. It has a little texture like the rest of the walls in the house, so it will blend in w/ a new coat of paint. The pendant lights are a possibility. I'm not sure what you mean by a soffit at the edge of the counter tops? Is that the dropped area outside the 'lighting box'? My biggest concern is area lighting. The existing fixture is effective, but harshly bright, and certainly ugly. The kitchen is a small galley kitchen- stove and fridge on one side; sink and eating bar on the other- only about 4-1/2' apart. NOT a gourmet kitchen! It opens via a bar onto a family room, which we have incorporated into a country kitchen using kitchen antiques, and a table and chairs. That room has windows, but even those are dark due to the screened porch beyond. I'll have to get up in the attic to see if the lighting recess has any utilities running near it that would get in the way of 'un-dropping' the ceiling. If I do that, should I make the soffit flush w/ the edge of the upper cabinets, or go back further, and put indirect lighting aimed at the ceiling?

I would try putting a different lens in the fixture. You could possibly put in a white lens or even a crate lens that would make the fixture look up to date. Since this is a minor remodel, I would check this out first. You can get the crate lenses in silver, gold or white. Check with a lighting showroom and see if they can get these for you.

I replaced exactly what you have in my recent remodel. I removed the recessed florescent fixtures and installed five recessed six inch cans equally spaced on the ceiling (w/ dimmer). I simply cut a new sheet of drywall to cover the recess. Since my ceiling was textured, it took alot of trial and error to match the adjoining texture pattern, but it turned out great ... Good Luck!

I have been looking for the solution to what sounds like the same situation.

Tommyw, could you please post a picture?

Here's my ugly kitchen ceiling that I would love to change.

Suggestions please....

After looking at the picture, I thought about the lighting that has been done in many apartments and homes if Florida. I don't know the manufacturer of these lights, but basically, the light the perimeter of the recessed section with fluorescents going around the entire area, and then they have the ceiling in the center (which gives a raised ceiling effect for height. It is a wonderful application that I have only seen in Florida. If anyone knows who the manufacturer is, it would be great to have it posted on this sight, especially considering Title 24.

ilitem, what you're describing sounds like cove lighting -- do I understand right? I was thinking about suggesting something like that, but wasn't sure whether fluorescent tubes would be available in appropriate lengths.

Ilitem, are you talking about this type? (Yes, I am in Florida, haha!)