If we're on the same wavelength here, these things are what most people here call a ceiling rose, only most of the ones I see here are plaster (and heavy).
I don't like 'em either, because the extra 1.5 to 2" depth causes no end of problems for fitting the heavy chandelier-type lights that people often want to use with them. Some months ago I took down a light fitting, got half way down the ladder only to be hit across the shoulders by one of these things that obviously hadn't been secured properly.
And yes, they might look good in one of England's old stately homes, but in the average house I find them much too fancy and ornate.
