Hi, Don't be afraid of "jogging" the border around obstacles; I made mine follow the outline as best I could, and I think it looks authentic for my house's age. Casey

mpagmom - So glad I can help you procrastinate! I always have something for you to think about, if you are in need with your own list of things to ponder. Thanks for including the link/pics to the garbage under the sink. I'm open to the idea of garbage or recycling under the sink - or both. I think I'm going to need to decide if I want a 30" with a single bowl or if I want to keep the double sink and go back up to 36". One thing I've been pondering is the location of the sink on the peninsula run and that cabinet being right next to it. Things can get splashy, but I also benefit from counter space on both sides of my sink. Hm... lisa0527 - That website is fascinating, though some parts of it are creeping me out. The botanicals are cool, though. leia_in_lalaland (Love your name!) - Wow, you went to town, and I really appreciate it. Those plants are so unique, I need to look into that more. For some reason, they reminded me of the plant shelves I posted a pic of below. I stuck that in one of my files several months back now, while researching Sochi's living wall. I really like the shelves, but I'm just not sure I can afford to have something that comes out into the aisle. Unless it was high up and didn't interfer with opening the upper cabinet. Floating shelves are one of my favorite things. The picture 6 up from the bottom is also fascinating. It seems they stuck a very narrow upper across the galley wall. I wonder how far that extends. I imagine there's no uppers on the left side, either. It looks very practical and seems not to interfer with the use of the peninsula. The shutters, though, are also intriguing - that pic that shows a set of grayed out shutter doors, especially. I could have a faux door after all. lol Hm..and the tin reminds me of a piece I have in the entry. It hangs coats right now, but could hang towels, I guess. It's a piece of architectural salvage with hooks on it. I'll have to go stare at that... lol Thanks so much, everyone.

I've seen Pratt and Larson making a custom order from a customer's piece of vintage trim (I'm sure it hardly cost a thing...). So if you can dream it, and pay for it, I'm sure they can create it for you. Their standard trim is likely worth a look. [They'll also do custom colors, but have a pretty significant range as it is!] Lots of great points, sources, and tips upthread. I think for me the #1 thing that makes me question "old? new?" is tile with color variation. Most people don't/can't spend the money for handmade, and even in white/cream the gradations in color are so pretty. You may have already considered this but before I went to all the trouble of sourcing tiles I'd definitely have rough estimates from your tile artisan. Your dream bath may be 20K in tile + (tile) labor cost -- which may be fine, or may mean a revamp. BTW, I've used the Americh Bow double apron in a project. Downside (purist/preference), not cast iron. Upside, a true soaker depth (most of the corner salvage tubs in my area are much more shallow). ps One of my favorite mansions is this 1914 one -- and check out the tile work: pretty low-key!

Doug already knows my views about cooktops on islands. So, I didn't share it when critiquing the original design. My opinion only, but putting a cooking surface on the island is a decision of last resort. Both safety and efficiency are compromised by this type of arrangement. I think the Buehl's idea of using that beautiful front window area for dining is inspired. It would get you and additional 28 sq.ft. in the kitchen. That's not chump change. That front window would be a lovely spot to sit with a cup of coffee and watch the kids. The light would be glorious. Seriously consider moving the kitchen to the rear, moving the dining room to take advantage of the window and sew/craft in the now freed up space in the front of the house, The old dining room in front could be used for a flex room/library/study/extra bedroom for overflow guests/sewing room/home office. Like Doug will tell you, everything is a compromise. Every decision effects another decision. It's just a question of how many comprises you have to make.