I had a mat, but the chipmunk who lives in our shrubbery decided to eat it. I don't know where the little beastie put all the mat; he must have welcomed some of his rodent friends over for the feast.

Check into Accoya real wood products. Its a pickled wood and that non-toxic process makes it impervious to termites and water. I used their dyed gray wood so when you cut it, the color is through out, so you can lightly sand any scratches that may happen. It never needs treating, staining, painting or maintenance with a 50 yr warranty. It will always be gray. Here it is on my house. It's one of my favorite things on my remodel.

In this part of the world, this is the day with the shortest daylight for the year. After this every day gains a little more light. Even with some cold months ahead, I consider us to be on the upswing, moving towards gardening season!

It sounds like you're in the midst of an exciting yet busy time with the relocation and home renovation! I do agree with what everyone else has said above, live in your new home for a while so that you can figure out what you do and do not like about it. The kitchen is a prominent space in a home and I would advise against doing anything immediately until you have lived in the space. However if you are wanting to move forward with renovations right away here are some suggestions that aim to enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen while keeping practicality in mind: Countertops: Both Cambria Colton and Iverness Frost are beautiful choices that offer durability and easy maintenance, which is perfect for a kitchen. Considering the cabinet color and potential future changes (like painting them white), Iverness Frost might offer a bit more flexibility. It has a light, neutral look that complements various cabinet colors and styles, potentially making it a more versatile option for both the current color and any future updates. Over the Stove Microwave vs. Wooden Range Hood: Removing the microwave and adding a wooden range hood can significantly change the kitchen's aesthetic, giving it a more custom and upscale look. This modification could also improve ventilation. If you're leaning towards a timeless and elegant kitchen design, a wooden range hood is a fantastic choice. It can be painted or stained to match the cabinets or serve as a contrasting statement piece. Wall Color: Given the changes you're considering, a neutral wall color would likely suit the kitchen best. Shades like soft greige, warm white, or a very light taupe can offer flexibility, making the space feel brighter and more open while also complementing both the current and possible future cabinet colors. These shades work well in various lighting conditions and can help highlight the new countertops and backsplash. Congratulations on your new home and enjoy the new adventure that is laying before you.