Just saw your post, hope this isn't too late. We're in a similar situation - new construction, narrowing down our appliance selection. We have a while yet, framing is barely underway. Our builder includes a $3500 budget (GE mid-range), not including fridge, and gets some very deep discounts from a local store that has beaten every online price I've seen by at least 15%. We are planning to add $3k - $4k of our own money (pre-tax) and get nice, functional, but not top-of-the-line stuff. Your selections are somewhat similar to ours so far. I've put our price (incl. builder discount) in parentheses. Fridge - Samsung RFG297AA ($1999) Oven - Frigidaire FGET3065KF ($1732) Cooktop - Kitchenaid KFGS366VSS ($907) Rangehood (ducted) - undecided, considering Broan RP230SS or similar, but I'm not sure I like the side intakes. Microwave - undetermined, but it won't be anything fancy. I only use microwaves for reheating non-meat leftovers, or thawing things before cooking them. Dishwasher - GE GDWF160RSS, so far. ($494) We have been planning this house for about 3 years, so I've done a fair bit of research - except for the wall ovens, since until very recently we had planned a single wall oven/micro combo. Selections seem to be pretty solid combos of performance, features and price.

I agree a soft greenish blue would work with those floors and cream cabs...something along these lines: [Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Los Altos Interior Designers & Decorators Viscusi Elson Interior Design - Gina Viscusi Elson [Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Fairfax Kitchen & Bath Designers Cynthia Murphy

oh I looked into slate,porcelain, ceramics, you name it. Loved slate (the solid darker one) etc. My main concern was with the colors. Given the existing/known colors are decided upon . Darker slate(and travertine)-the one I like the most-will it be enough contrast with dark cherry island? Lighter-will it work ok with the countertop? Should be fairly warm colored too. I don't see grey here. Something like Linden looks like it'll work. The main point though-one goes, takes samples, starts comparing. It's hard to see materials on the internet.. (choosing flooring was one of the most tiresome thing as far as I remember. That, and countertops.) I also think the floor -if it mimics stone or is stone-shouldn't be too busy as the countertop gets to be busy already. Then you have two busy stones If it doesn't mimic stone but has pattern in how it's laid-I'd worry about how to clean it, but less about busy-ness..somehow spells farmhouse to me, more than busy countertops.. Something put together as longer, brick reminding tiles on diagonal would be cool. I see more uniform, darker tiles if going for that look. Slate or porcelain, doesn't matter as long as it's right color. But. One can't get everything I guess. I love the idea of soapstone but probably more upkeep? But they look amazing, and very true to farmhouse feel.

Certainly the front could have overhang added and windows changed I would think - it isn't set in stone. And the windows are going to heat the house up some anyway. Doesn't matter what is in those rooms, the same amount of a/c is going to be used to cool the house. Truly, with modern windows and a/c, it isn't like rooms with south facing windows are going to bake. West facing windows are more challenging. But yes, large south facing windows without overhang are going to cause an a/c load. But a properly designed a/c system can handle it pretty easily. West becomes more of problem because it is really bad for several hours as opposed to a moderate load throughout the day. Even East can be an issue because it heats up the house early before the rest of the house needs a/c. OP, I commend you on your stamina and open mindedness. I hinted at the gender issue with this before and most architects are men. At some point, with large windows and high ceilings, someone who isn't well versed and in tune with sun will feel like a room is bright even with north facing windows. And it won't be terrible of course. As I look at the elevation, the architects are trying to bring light to the public areas. But you would do better with lower ceilings, less windows, if the rooms were just on the south. Looking back on the elevations, it looks like the dining room will be 2 stories? That would bring light into the kitchen if it was more open. But it also is going to be a bit of a challenge temperature wise (and I am contradicting myself a bit ... but 2 stories). Easy enough to a/c but I am thinking about warm during shoulder seasons - while the public areas are somewhat cool. When we have warm Feb days like this entire month, that south glass will get a lot of heat. So a/c will run and your north facing rooms may be a bit cold. Not as much of an issue in the summer when the sun is higher. Elevator? At some point with some of the money in this design, you should consider it. It would be expected with a 3 story house of this caliper in my area. 11 ft ceilings mean a lot of steps to your bedroom with an injury.