Hi there, I'm not an expert on anything, but I do have a dutch colonial too :o) (actually a dutch colonial split). The question I would have is how wide is your peninsula going to be? We were possibly going to have a rather wide one at one point, and even though there are some really beautiful granites, there are none that I would want a really wide chunk of (can't explain it). If was wide and one level, I'd go for a beautiful wood top. If it was narrower or 2 tiered, I wouldn't mind the granite.
I think other folks will also ask what you will be using the penisula for, as the function will steer 1 tier vs. 2. Good luck!

re: soffit.... if you search back, sometime in the past week (or 2??), someone posted their kitchen with a soffit... they had to keep it and she did some amazing things with it - made it a beautiful architectural feature. (something like an arch over her sink ?? can't quite remember)

re: apron sink... I am NO EXPERIENCE with them... but have pondered them due to ergonomic reasons... the stories of the fireclay have scared me ... thought the stainless might be the better option - less fragile etc -- then remembered how "lovely" the front of my stainless fridge, DW and trash cans look - they constantly need wiping. Wasn't so sure I wanted a stainless apron front in an area I KNOW will need upkeep. (but once again, I have no practical experience with an apron front... perhaps someone with a stainless apron will speak up and say this isn't really a problem.)

Thanks for the timely replies!! My peninsula is def for sitting/eating/hanging at. I totally agree about the large expanse of granite. I wonder if I can do 2 different countertops....granite on everything, except the peninsula - that would be wood? But, unlike an island, my peninsula is obviously attached to other stuff so I don't know if I can mix 2 countertops that way...

The farmhouse sink is probably NOT worth the argument with the hubby. He does not like. Should just stick with undermount double stainless like we've planned.

I'm going to search the soffit issue...hope I can find something "inspiring!" Thanks.

We have a soffit also because of "stuff." Ours extends out over the counters with recessed lighting in them. Then they angle up to the ceiling and so looks like a tray ceiling. I like it except my ceilings aren't smooth, they're textured.

As a builder we used to offer soffits over the cabinets as an option. This was a great feature many years ago but they are kind of out of style now. Not to worry! Make the best of what you have if you can't remove them.

Run some crown mold around the kitchen and wrap it around the soffit. Push the cabinets tight up against the soffit and use a small cove mold to finish off where the cabinets meet the soffit.

I saw a photo yesterday of a stainless steel farm sink where the edges were held flush with the top of the counter. Looked awesome but quite contemporary. Stainless in kind of high maintenance as mentioned.

I would not change up the countertop material at your peninsula. You want to use the same material to make everything tie together and it will make your kitchen look larger.

There are some gorgeous coffee colored granites that you may want to look at. They can give you a very rich and elegant look. You might also want to look at a quartz countertop, available in many colors.

A raised or flush peninsula is a personal preference and both look very interesting, however, I think that you will get much better use out of the flush version. People can congregate around it and you have a much better work surface.

Here is a link that might be useful: Premier-Kitchen-Design.com

Hi SusieQ,
It is 5:00 PM on the East Coast. So how did the appointment
go? I wish I could have chimed in this morning.

Soffit link below....Images of what others have done. hth.

Peninsula,
I prefer one level. Again depends on how much space you
have but for me I like all one level for working, social
times and consistency.

Show me your peninsula (Gardenweb)
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0913253118681.html?5

Kitchens without islands
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg1117195715348.html?9

Images of Stainless Farm sinks in country style kitchens.
hth
~boxer

HB Magazine

HB magazine

Decorpad

Baer Home Design Blog

Double Apron

Here is a link that might be useful: What to do with a soffit

Ah, what a difference a day makes!! I feel so much better after meeting with the cabinet guy this morning. My husband, our builder, and I were with him for over 2 hours and we got so much accomplished!!!

Remember I'm new at this, so I apologize if I seem to be jumping all over the place with my ideas and questions. I'm just trying to get as much information as humanly possible so that I get the kitchen I really want. I posted my "before" pictures over on the Gallery. I've lived with - and hated - a full breakfast room of knotty pine for the last 15 years. I'm trying to be very careful to figure out what I MUST have (my non-negotiables) and what I can put on the table to bargain with (my negotiables.)

Basically, this guy was able to understand exactly what I was going for, and he had wonderful suggestions. (My builder told me we would love him!) Bottom line is I'm now getting 2 different cabinet colors (Sage Colourtone with coffee glaze, and Chesapeake with no glaze) and an island (which I didn't think would fit.) I didn't want to go with 2 different colors strictly on the cabinets. Having the island makes all the difference in the world for me. He also figured out a way to incorporate a bookshelf type unit in a very awkward short-walled corner that we were concerned about. Really, I'm so excited to see the plans he comes up with. He knows the budget we're working with, so I've just got the fingers crossed that nothing we did will really raise the price. (I was very open with him about the things that I can let go of and what I can't...you know, that negotiable and non-negotiable thing again.)

After looking at the pictures on the soffit threads, I feel better about that. We're not even sure if we have to have the soffits or not. Won't know until he guts the room.

I think the farmhouse sinks are more money than I want to spend. I like the look, but it's not something I can't live without.

And the island will definitely be one height. Well, I feel like these issues are settled, but I'm pretty darn sure there will be many, many, many more to come!! Thanks.

(BTW - my husband told me he has never seen me glued to my laptop as much as I have been this week. Thanks goodness the school break is over on Monday and I'll be back at work. I don't this this type of obsession is healthy!!!)

Here is a link that might be useful: 2 cabinet colors

SusieQusie60 - I am curious about your statement that "the farmhouse sinks are more money than I want to spend". What is your budget for a sink? I know that many on this forum LOVE the Ticor sinks and Kraus sinks. Both brands are 16 gauge (i.e. thicker than many of their competitors), and come with free sink grid (which can cost $80-120 from other brands). I will link a Ticor single-bowl 33" apron front stainless sink, which is $399 (free shipping). I'll also link a similar Kraus sink for $420 (free shipping).

Of course, if you've decided against the look or against the stainless steel material, that's great. I just wouldn't want you not to choose it cause you think it would cost $800+ or something.

Ticor Stainless 33-inch Apron Sink

Kraus Stainless 33-inch Apron Sink

Alwaysfixin - funny that you should mention that $800+ figure in your post. That's actually the exact number my husband threw out at me this morning when we were discussing sinks!! (I think he got that figure from someone he works with.) I appreciate the info you provided and the pictures of the 2 different sinks.

I've really got very mixed feelings on this type of sink. When I first saw them I definitely wasn't crazy about them. The more I see, however, the more I feel strangely drawn to them...

That being said, I think the farmhouse sink will probably stay on my negotiable list (ie: my husband really doesn't like them, so I can't justify why I would go for one.) Then we add to that the fact that my husband feels strongly that the sink is something you don't scrimp on. (His dad was a plumber - he's got definite opinions in this area!) As far as our budget - I'd say a couple hundred dollars. I'm sure my husband would say more.

Hi SusieQ,
Great news. It sounds like everything is coming together
(Idea wise) and this is all wonderful. It is alway nice
when you can express yourself to a builder/cabinet maker
and they "Get it". They see your vision and are willing
to work with you to try to make it happen.
~boxer

Thanks boxerpups! I'm really enjoying this feeling I'm having right now. I know that I've got lots and lots of decisions in front of me, and knowing how my decision-making process works, I know it's not going to be easy. But for today, I can definitely feel good about the way things are going right now. Can't wait to see the plans he comes up with!!!

Great to hear everything is coming together and you feel good about it! Very exciting news about being able to fit the island, and getting to choose the second cabinet finish. That may also be a nice place for the wood counter or something like that if you are still thinking of doing two different counter materials. Looking forward to see the new plans - Keep us posted!

Carrie

Thanks carrie eileeen - I really do have your kitchen in my bookmarks labeled as "Inspiration." So many beautiful ideas!

As soon as I get the final plans (hopefully next Friday) I'm hoping to post them to get some feedback.

Boxer--great pics as per usual. I am drooling over that 2nd to last pic!

Chrisf--excellent tips!

SusieQ--i love a dutch colonial! i don't have a soffit but i have a support beam right over my long and wide island. maybe it hangs down 16". killed any hope of chandelier lighting or any other such drama. hated it when it got mudded. but in the end, it's just fine.