Thanks all! weedpuller: the compost bucket is huge - 15L or about 3 gallons. I don't let it get too full though because it gets heavy (not to mention smelly, though only noticeable when the door is open) and I worry about the weight. It is from Rev A Shelf, see link localeater: I love the compost bucket. We compost everything, no garbage disposal in our house. It is under the prep sink on the island and I scrap into the sink then gather it up to throw in the bucket. Easy. The bucket pulls out to be carried out to our bin. Also, the broom closet is 2' wide, 3' deep and 6' tall and functions beautifully (especially after not having one for so long!). The chair is from PB Teen, Vintage Wood Swivel. Well constructed and comfy, as well as (I agree, if I do say so myself) a perfect fit for the space! Beth: Thanks!! It's Baker and we're not going anywhere anytime soon ;) We did all this work on an old house we love because we hope to be here forever! :) And yes, our pup loves it too! kelhuck: That is just what I love to do in the space, time and kids allowing! Book storage was actually a big part of the planning for our book-loving family. And yes, mamadadapaige - life altering is right! Sometimes I still can't quite believe it. Thanks again! Your compliments and interest mean a lot to me. Here is a link that might be useful: Pull Out Compost

LOL! Aren't arts and crafts projects fun! The only way I can visualize ANYTHING in 3-D is to mock it up first, although my craftsmanship isn't as exquisite as yours, lawjedi. Unfortunately, Jill, the only way I've found to simulate life without an existing wall is to actually take it down to the studs. Of course, once that's done you have to hope you like it enough to continue the plan - or live with the wall frame until you get around to putting the drywall back! It also helps to HAVE a plan... We had a lot of fun tearing down the wall between our kitchen and dining room so we could see if it would improve the light in both rooms (it did) but then we had absolutely no idea what to do after that. So we lived with our imaginary non-wall for 8 months while we put together the plan. We're finally starting the project in earnest next week, hooray! I made my final decision on pendant lights for the new island today -- aren't they cute? Our little "demo adventure" will end up costing us a bundle, but at least we'll be able to take blue tape out of our monthly budget!

In Maine where I live, only a very small shop is likely to work on a piece of stone purchased elsewhere, but you could ask your local shops. They may charge more for the labor in that case, if they'd do it at all. The larger ones here who do most of the kitchen and bathroom work all have remnants in their yards, and will, of course, work them to your specifications.

Besides removing the bulkhead and valance, and painting the window frame, there are two items to focus on, the stove elevation and the island. Consider the following: At the stove area, remove the four overhead cabinets. Add open shelves where the far right and far left cabinets are and have a stainless steel backsplash cover the entire wall to the height of the sink window. See pic below. Consider not painting the cabinets dark, which will again date and confuse the space. Paint all the cabinets a light grey (as suggested above) or off white, no antiquing. The satin nickel bar pulls can stay, or you might want to consider brushed gold at a later date, an easy change. Add cabinets at the top of all the cabinets on the oven wall to the continue the horizontal line of the top of the sink window > stainless steel backsplash wall at the stove top > cabinets over the oven wall. On the other side of the kitchen, pop out those panels on the overhead cabinets only, and install clear glass and lighting. Replace the interior solid shelves in those over head cabinets with glass shelves. This to be done on this side of the kitchen only. For the island, consider a vibrant color or navy blue. Add a 15" deep wood counter ledge at the back end, mounted under the stone top and add 2 to 4 stools. Remove the hanging light over the sink, and install some overhead ceiling lights. Add great pendant lights over the island only. Grey and tan always look fresh and smart. With the tan floors and stone tops that color combo will work nicely. Focus on the stove area and the island and let everything else fall back. ^ ^ ^ Stove wall only. Backsplash on this wall can be stainless steel, dark tile or small "chicklet" glass tile. ^ ^ ^ Pale gray cabinets - dark island - interesting island pendant ^ ^ ^ Off white cabinets - medium gray island^ ^ ^ Navy blue island ^ ^ ^ Note great idea for ledge at island: Simple wood parsons table slid over island. ^ ^ ^ Note wood ledge detail ^ ^ ^ Consider bright color island and off white cabinets^ ^ ^ On opposite wall consider glass doors on upper cabinets at this wall only with interior lights, glass interior shelves and undercounter lighting. Paint lower cabinets same as all other painted cabinets (pale gray or off white). The reason to consider off white, instead of bright white, is to soften the transition to the existing floor and counters. Focus on the stove wall and island.