I don't use Osmocote for two reasons: 1) cacti and succulents grow so slowly, they need very little fertilizer anyway, and 2) I expect them to be in the same pot for many years and timed-release granules don't help after the first year anyway. I just feed a couple times a year with a water-soluble fertilizer, and I water my C&S with acidified water.

@Michelle Delaney - this is Goodrich Espresso. Here is how it looks in the catalog: https://woodpeckerflooring.com/product/goodrich-espresso-oak/ You would think its darker from the promo pictures, but its a very nice medium brown tone (we also get plenty of natural light in our kitchen, living/dining and foyer) with just the right amount of variation in the planks which hides any imperfections. There were quite a few color options that we got samples of, each with unique texture that I hadn't seen anywhere else (like Charred Oak and Salted Oak). The Woodpecker customer service was also excellent. Great communication about expected ship dates and how to handle "acclimation" of the floor before installation. Also, my installer decided not to use the adhesive that was provided, so afterward Woodpecker worked with me to arrange to ship it back at the lowest cost which still refunded me over $1000. @uniquewoodfloors - that Monarch Lago Moro is gorgeous! Looks very similar to what we have, but much larger planks. We specifically avoided the 4 x 26 size which is very popular right now because we wanted to ensure the pattern could be adequately seen in the kitchen walkways around the island. In a large space like a showroom or large family room that is a good size application.

Love the paper, but I'm going with a "nay". It is in a small hallway with no lighting over the credenza. Looking at photo #2 with the brick fireplace and the dark chairs, all with in eye shot of the niche, I'm just not feeling it. I would paint all the walls in the niche the same lovely color as your cabinets. Thinking hang art, a canvas, not a print, that gives a nod to brown and brick, the butcher block, and not quite so green...more like the soft blue/green of the cabinets. Install a LED battery picture light.

acm, I love your cabinets and what you've done to complement them - it looks beautiful! Thanks for the inspirational photos! I'm on board with Sally T. - there's something so special about marble - I say go for it! The Calacatta Miele was quoted for $150 per sqft., but the White Carrara is $85 per sqft. Arctic White Quartz is $75 per sqft, and the Calacatta Gold was quoted at $315 per sqft (!) Of note, I live in a metropolitan area, so it could be a factor in pricing. Theresa, I'm conceding to the guidance that I need to pick one or the other, and as Patricia pointed out, there's marble throughout Italy (and Europe), and it's managed to survive centuries ... I know there's such a strong response for marble being a bad idea, but it doesn't add up for me - I'm definitely leaning in the direction of going with the marble for all of it. Again, thanks to everyone for the feedback!