aki, lovely dining table -- the colour is perfect when Canadian winter sets in : ) . I agree with lascatx. If you wanted a project to bring your current table in line, at least colour-wise, with the other table, you could strip the top and stain it, and then paint the base black. Is that a possibility? brdl, wonderful project. That looks amazing, and the perfect use for so many of those vintage and antique sewing machine bases. As another Canadian, I'd love to be able to shop at World Market!

There is no way to tell what type of counter that is from such a far view. Its possible their facebook page or website would have more information for you. The BS looks like tile you can buy from any tile store.

I love this so much. I never tire of I Love Lucy, no matter if I've seen the episodes eleventy-hundred times already. The colorized special that aired recently where the girls decide to protest gender inequality contains what are probably my favorite lines of all time: Lucy/Ethel: "Ricky, Fred - we're revolting." Ricky (sideways glance at the girls): "No more than usual."

Thanks for all the thoughts. The electrician and I decided on LED cans around the perimeter and finish the light box with more cans or uplighting strip. (The ceiling can't be raised because of duct work). I don't need more storage or counter space so starting over doesn't appeal to me. I really have loved the kitchen so it works for me, but agree that the next person could start from scratch. For this old lady, I love the forgiving tile as the house sits on a lake and the brown granite that enhanced the oak-trimmed mountain rustic home when gray and black was all that was available. The cabinets were high end CRYSTAL cabinets with real wood, so I'm okay with keeping them - probably better quality than many newer. It's the laminate doors and drawers with oak trim and oak wooden handles that I'd like to replace (not repaint). I have a local cabinet maker coming to bid a simple, flat panel door and drawer in light wood or taupe/gray paint. Appliance garages are history! Maybe glass doors or wood shelving instead of the uppers above the garages? Never gave much thought about the bar sink, but agree the mirror and faucet gives it a vanity feel. The coffee station that is housed in the appliance garage, could be relocated there. And I'll be shopping for a paint color for a softer, modern look. Any other thoughts?