I am so pleased to see all of your comments, and to hear that it might be doable. I now have lots of avenues to pursue. Palimpsest, I forgot to include that there are about 5 accent tiles in addition to the listello that have the same accent rust flower. I can't cut out those tiles. If painting does not work, I could cut out the listello and find a matching size replacement. Luckily, I have one sample listello piece that I can experiment with. Thanks all! Carol

Hi, maggiebkit, I don't comment on too many layouts, but you are planning essentially the same layout that I have, so I feel qualified to offer advice. I did a budget facelift/remodel, did not move plumbing, so kept the sink in the same spot in relation to stove and fridge. I'll throw you a curve, and suggest that you keep the fridge where it is--close to dining areas, and consider switching the sink and cooktop. You can split the window and put the stove between two smaller windows (if the exterior appearance is not adversely affected.) Advantages that I see are: You will prep between sink and cooktop, and have a view while working. You will have views from both windows while cooking. Cooktop is closer to oven, convenient for venting both, and preparing recipes which utilize both. Dishes and cleanup are closer to dining areas, and DW is no longer in entry path. Disadvantage is no window over sink, if that's not an exterior wall--maybe a deal breaker for you. As bmore suggests, I'd make the island shorter, so that anyone who comes from the entry and makes a beeline for the fridge (starving teenager), doesn't have to travel around the bottom and back. As for skipping a prep sink, I don't have one in the kitchen proper, but I have a small 'auxiliary' sink a couple of steps away, in another room. I love the flexibility of having a second sink as a drop zone for anything that needs to be soaked, or as a back-up sink if I'm using the large sink for canning, etc. If you can squeeze a second sink into the floor plan and the budget, I'd recommend it! Finally, if you keep the current layout, it's not too far to walk in a small kitchen--mine is ap 13.5x13.5, so very similar to yours. The fridge is four steps from the sink, and I don't find it too inconvenient. I would like to see your microwave closer to the fridge, but in the real world of small kitchens, sometimes we have to make adjustments. Good luck with your remodel! Here is a link that might be useful: google search - stove between windows

Duly noted re. the aisle widths. So, we shall see what feels right. Turns out the extra 12 inches of dead space behind the fridge and ovens I thought I would have to play with, is in my Dining Room, not the 1st bay of my garages :-( I plan to install a Sub Zero 42 inch built in side by side. It will NOT be fully integrated. So, a lot of my appliances, (food processor, juicer, etc.) are 14 inches high. If I make the counter between the fridge and ovens (baking counter) flush with the pantry doors I will have 12 inches (give or take) behind the countertop of dead space. Could I make that countertop 36 inches deep, and then hide those appliances behind an appliance garage, and keep the hutch countertop free for putting stuff down when removing or placing items on the shelves? Then I would still have 24 inches of available space to work on.

Dee, I was hoping upi'd see this. I can't even find a cutting on E-bay anymore((( I hope you are doing better