Trade them to other gardeners for things you'd like. Also the fall garden swap will be coming soon. Watch for it. What kind of bulbs are they? I've never had much luck with bulbs here but sounds like what ever you have is doing good to multiply like that. gemfire

I agree that it's the orangy-gold-yellowy paint that seems to be throwing everything off. I wonder what a warm blue might do for the room? It may be a bit tricky to get the right shade - you need enough warmth for the cabinets, but your counter reads slightly cooler. With the garnets that are in your counter, you could pick up the reddish-wine color and use that as an accent...that can work well with a blue. Usually with colors it seems like it's more about getting the right undertones rather than the right color family. You've got oak cabinets - I'm assuming they aren't going anywhere for a while, so you need to make peace with them. I think that with the right paint color, you can make the cabinets and the granite work. There is always the gel-stain option and if changing them I'd probably look that route. I don't think that painting the oak is a good idea since it tends to look like...painted oak. And that's a look that I really don't care for. You mentioned that the ceiling is changing - does that mean that you're putting in some can lighting as well as the pendants? I like the linear tiles...but not with your cabinets. Their style is more contemporary/transitional than what I think your cabinets can muster...the cabinets have a much more traditional look so you might do better with something a bit more classic in the tile line.

I'm so glad to hear you love your big trees. They are a treasure! I suggest a low wooden deck that fills most of the rectangle between your door landing, out to the edge of the planting bed. For cohesion and privacy, an "L" shaped fence replacing (or in front of) your low picket fence and your neighbor's trellis-topped fence. NOT a solid wood fence, instead a horizontal open board fence. It will let in air and light but give enough privacy that you'd feel comfortable sitting out there. You could even mimic the three-panels of fence at the end of your lot. That's your space for a couple lounge chairs, large flower pots, grill, whatever. In that existing planting bed and in the planting bed alongside your garage, I'd do hostas (if deer aren't a problem) or ferns. Include a few spring bulbs. For viewing interest, a boulder fountain and/or bird feeder would be wonderful. That was a good idea to paint the masonry blocks especially of your garage to match your siding. Oh and you could make another horizontal fence panel to hide the trash can area. Do you think you'd need more privacy than that? It doesn't look like you're right on top of your neighbors. If you can fit in a small tree, such as a crabapple, that might be a nice way to guide your sight lines.

Hello All... and Carol, This message is from Carol's sister Barb. I have been discussing countertops, cabinets, backsplash and paint colors with Carol also... so am finding these discussions very interesting. Thank you to EVERYONE! Because I have an art and design background I tell Carol she just needs to listen to me! ha! But gosh, that just doesn't always happen. And her husband, although a very nice guy, doesn't always agree either. Therefore, all of your input and advice is great! After reading everything from all of you, here is my take: * FLOORPLAN: Keep as is * COUNTERTOP/S : use the same countertop in Kitchen, Bar Area and Laundry room. Plain Soft White (or off white) Matt finish Quartz or Solid Surface (Corian or other brand). I have Quartz... it is not that fragile. In fact, Consumer Reports rates it slightly better than granite. * TWO-TONE COUNTERTOP is not bad either for kitchen. But if using a 2nd color, I would use a warmer gray or the Hone Virginia Mist granite (or soapstone) someone had suggested. And I would use on the peninsula section only. Note: I had recommended that Carol take off white color paper (or maybe a bone color) and put it on her existing countertop just to get a feel for what off white would look like. I think it will show her how it will not only brighten/lighten the space, but will simplify the busy look. And then also let her husband see it so he can see it is not boring, but calming and pleasant. And keep it there for a couple days so they can get used to seeing it. Then she could also add an area with deeper color for a two-tone look. * COUNTERTOP HEIGHT: I would keep countertop height. Easier to get on and off of stools at that height instead of bar stools especially as we age * WATERFALL COUNTERTOP: If doing all OFF WHITE, I guess I would consider. But I could go either way on waterfall countertop... with or without. * CABINETS: great idea to strip and recoat existing cabinets * CABINET HARDWARE: good idea to update with new brushed nickel or possibly matt black. Get countertops in first, then decide. Not a real pressing upgrade. The present stuff is not too bad * FLOORS: keep them and stream clean as originally planned * BACKSPLASH: Remove existing brown wall tile. Add simple rectangle tile: modern layout (not brick) - color ideas: bone, sage (nice soft green -brings in outside greens), teal, blue (cooler tones are nice compliment to the orange tones and works with floor coloring). TBD after countertop is determined for sure. KEEP SIMPLE, LIGHT AND NON-BUSY. * BACKSPLASH ON FULL WALL: To be decided. But I would probably do... depending on tile selected * PENDANT LIGHTS - new more updated pendant lights with cooler temp bulbs (3500 to 4000 lumens - not too cool... 6000 lumens would be too cool) * BAR STOOLS - new bar stools - white, light taupe, chrome * INVISIBLE COOKTOP: For safety of pet cat, Twix... best not to do * TV: mount on wall away from stove top * PAINT COLOR: probably mostly off white. But could also add in accent wall color depending on backsplash color selected (sage, teal, blue, etc). One of last items TBD * AREA RUG: May or may not want... decide after everything else is complete. If desired, keep it very simple/plain. There is plenty of pattern and color in the floor already Any further comments from folks are welcome! Carol... for now... I hope this helps. Let's chat. Barb