Congratulations on getting your new build underway. I'm not an expert, but am doing my second kitchen and have gleaned a lot of good info here over 7 yrs. I'm happy to offer my opinion on some things you're questioning. I would do a hood vent instead of a microwave. It's so much easier to do it while you're building instead of trying to retrofit. If you've been on GW for a while you've likely read many of the practical reasons for good ventilation. I know some spaces are so small (apartment/condo kitchens, etc) that micro hoods are the best choice, but I think having it as a focal point in the kitchen is not desirable. If you don't want to give up cab space, there are some small but efficient countertop models you could set right on the counter beside the fridge. I also worried about going to the ceiling w/ cabinets but my vote is to do it. I don't think you'll find it overwhelms the space. I would not go with all glass uppers unless you want to showcase everything in your upper cabinets. I think a touch of glass with nicely displayed dish ware or decorative items gives the feeling of lightness more than a wall full of what most of us typically keep on hand for practical purposes in our top cabs. Lastly, I am a big fan of SW Dover White. It has covered almost all the walls in my open plan home and I've liked it in every season and every light.

Our winter Lecture Series is beginning this weekend! On Sunday February 1st, at 2:00 at the Skokie Library, located at 5215 Oakton Street, Skokie IL, we are having a lecture by Dawn Findling entitled "How to Take Great Pictures of Your Garden".The WILS lecture will take place in the Book Discussion room which is on the first floor. Hope to see you there!

Yes, my Water Lettuce and Hyacinth usually get killed by the first frost - usually near the end of October and the -20 to -30 degree (F) temperatures in January and February certainly kills them. I don't understand how these plants can be considered invasive in Wisconsin. I will have to look for alternatives - but I'm sure they won't be as pretty as Water Hyacinth and I'm sure they will be double the cost.

Another good one might be "All Gray, All the Time." And then let the color-lovers reclaim the rest of the forums. I dunno, Im fast reaching th epoint where Im just tired of the internet experience in general. Some websites have become virtually unuseable due to so many screaming ads and videos popping out at you that my computer stalls. So then I turn on pop-up blocker, and the site wont let you view the content. Maybe theres other things I could do with my time - wouldnt be such a bad thing, really...