Looks like teasel (Dipsacus). This post was edited by esh_ga on Sun, Jun 9, 13 at 15:16

OK, I've made a little progress in narrowing my choices. I'm finalizing my cabinet order and need to pick certain elements to get the openings sized correctly. I've solve my microwave dilemma by hiding it behind a pocket door. I'm looking for a warming drawer that does not stick out too much from the cabinets. I'm using inset cabinetry and a fully integrated, inset panel will be very difficult in an island situation with a standard 24 inches of total depth (interior space of less). (I know the Dacor indoor/outdoor unit might work, but it may not be recommended.) I've looked at Miele SS, Dacor SS and GE Monogram. These all seem to stick out the least of all the choices. The problem is that these handles don't match anything but their own sister refrigerators and dishwashers. (I'm not getting the integrated Miele fridge) Here's my current configuration choices: Set 1 Thermador 36" range Thermador (Bosch) Dishwasher KA FD CD refrigerator, Pro Series KA or Thermador WD, with matching handle (not happy with this, these stick out so much... any alternatives?). Another possibility is the Dacor WD Set 2 CornuFe 90 Albertine Range Bosch Panel Front DW GE Monogram SS CD Fridge GE Monogram WD Set 3 Wolf 36" Range Bosch Panel Front DW Dacor WD KA CD BF Fridge Anything else I should consider? I'm also concerned with the venting requirements of the Thermador and Wolf ranges (let alone the higher BTU BS or Capital).

Ok, the wife couldn't make it two days walking around the island. It's gone. I also remeasured everything in the kitchen and found that several measurements were off. Here is an updated sketch w/o cabinets. I noted where the passthrough would be, it is currently marked with a 3" overhang on each side. The wife and I were playing around with some ideas, and here are a few she came up with... Appliances: Sub Zero 650/S Fridge (36x27x84) Electrolux EW30EW65GS Double Oven Samsung 80F800 Dishwasher Edgestar TWR282S-KF Wine Cooler (18" wide) 36" Gas Rangetop (Still Deciding between Capital, Wolf and Dacor) This evening she said that she thinks she would like a "simple passthrough" into the dining room. So, just a few inch overhang on each side so we can put dishes. She also liked the idea of a breakfast nook for the kids. Maybe a bench seat under the window, or a corner bench. Maybe something like this to get some some more color in the kitchen? So, she's opened up on the idea of things, and losing the island. So that's good. Notice she still hasn't moved the appliances much. She is very stuck in her ways, and does not like change. So, if cooktop next to the double oven is why, please tell me why. *I* liked the cooktop between the windows, but not sure that's feasible with the nook idea. FYI, there isn't much to look at outside the windows. The neighbor's driveway is just a few feet past the windows, so we just stare at the side of their house. We get great light though.

Hi Green, Thank you so much for that feedback. A couple of things: 1. I agree with your thoughts on the prep sink. I am in a real dilemma about placement. I always wanted a plain island, but I do see the advantages of putting the prep sink there. The downside to putting the prep sink in the island (I think) is that it complicates the microwave placement. Currently I have it planned for the island in the middle. If someone is prepping there, than the microwave is blocked. Maybe I should shift it to the far end of the island, I'll have to think about that. 2. The picture shows a 30" range with a 30" hood. I am actually going to do a 36" range....hood size TBD. I will be doing a single cabinet on each side of the hood, so I can definitely give the hood more breathing room (although I thought I read that it was better for the hood function to have the cabinets right against it - I guess that isn't true?) 3. I've attached a picture of my layout to show my restrictions with the fridge. I only have room for CD fridge anyways. I can't do cabinetry next to the fridge due to the placement of the vanity in the powder room. I do have a pantry in the hallway nearby.