We bought the Broan Elite 2 years ago and are happy with it. Performance is great, it's easy to clean. On high speeds it is very loud, but we don't run it that way very often. I usually use it on the lowest speed, and I find the level of noise manageable. For the price, it was a good choice for us.

It's definitely not too late to consider this plan-- however, I'm still not entirely convinced it's the right plan for us. a) This pantry is a fantastic idea-- in theory. However, DH and I feel we lack the DIY skills necessary to pull it off. We'd have to be very careful to bring it out close enough to the garage door that we have room for a bi-fold pantry door. Also, it would be very, very difficult to get the measurements just right so that the rest of the cabinets line up correctly with the window and wall. It would also be very difficult to find a reliable professional who would come out for such a small job! Once I pay someone to put in that pantry, the money from less cabinets is no longer saved. (And that's IF I can find someone to do it.) b)It still doesn't really allow me to have my pull out pantry near the stove-- it's in laxsupermom's drawing next to the 24" pantry, which I would no longer need with the drywall pantry. I don't think I'd want to put a pull-out pantry next to the wall so it pulls out in front of the garage door. I suppose I could do a short one on either side of the stove. I have no idea how to set up the other wall/base cabinets... This: vs. This (only withOUT the short pullout): c)I don't think it would be nicer to look at from the living room. In fact, all you can see is the dining area from the living room, but when you walk in the front door and head for the kitchen, there is a hallway on the left (not portrayed in my drawings). If you're walking directly into the kitchen from the living room or hallway, the first thing you'll see is the wall directly across from you, which is where the fridge is in laxsupermom's drawing. I don't think that's nearly as attractive to look at as the wine wall with the glass cabinets... This would be the view walking in: vs. This: d)I lose some of the functionality I wanted, which is even more important to me than the counterspace by the stove and the pathway from the garage. I would lose my pet center and my peninsula drawers would be narrower (because of the lazy susan), and the peninsula is where I wanted to store my plates/bowls. Argh, I feel like my head is going to explode!! :)

Do not place your order until you're certain about your choices. Yes, your KD (or cabinemaker) will probably pressure you to do it now, but push back...you have to live with this kitchen, they do not. We went through 3 or 4 iterations of cabinet choices and each time my KD wanted to "get them ordered," but I pushed back until I was certain I was happy w/our choices. Keep this mantra in mind and repeat it to everyone you need to throughout the remodel: This is my kitchen, not yours. I have to live with this. You'll finish up and be gone, but I will still be here. I want it done right (or to my specifications or to make me happy). Yes, it might be easier or faster to do it your way, but that is not what I want. All changes/fixes/etc. need to be approved by me before you make them. You may have to add, but not unless you have to... I'm paying you to do this kitchen right. Stand firm! Do not let them bully you or try to "persuade" you to do it their way unless you are certain you will be OK (now & forever) with what they are proposing. Also, don't let yourself fall into the "I'm too tired to deal with this, so do whatever" OR "I'm sick of dealing with this, I just want it done, so do whatever" modes. You are certain to be unhappy later. Once it's done, you won't remember the hassles (at least not much) and will be glad you stood your ground...even if it meant adding weeks or months to the job. Remember: This too shall pass!

Zaz and Beth, I finally have some samples on my floor to look at (from the Tile Shop) and that's helpful, but it's a pain in the b*** to figure out what samples to order and from whom to order them - and expensive too! I could probably order an equal number of interesting samples from Merola/Home Depot, not to mention the additional ideas you've both now given me, but at some point I need to stop. Even though I feel I've 'narrowed' my focus to something with blue and/or patterned-moroccan-style, there are still so many options and resources to look at. I do like all the additional examples you gave me, Beth. Is EliteTile considered a good quality resource? I have felt comfortable having a retail face to consult with (Tile Shop and Home Depot) but if you and Zaz and others with more experience feel it can be ok to order from a place like Wayfair and this brand of tile, then I feel more confident about that. Both Tile Shop and HD have nice options too, but I've been a bit frustrated that I haven't been able to see an actual sample of a large-size cobalt option .... and the nice on sale lantern blue one is beautiful. What a price, too!! Weirdly, as I look more closely at the Wayfair/EliteTile Moroccan tiles, I'm seeing several that are the exact same patterns that Merola/HomeDepot offer. Do either of you know anything about this? I'd kind of like to add pictures of the samples I have from Tile Shop to see what you both think, but it might need to wait until tomorrow since this day is over and I'm beat. (Also, have other things in addition to tile shopping which I'm sure you both can relate to.) I am grateful to have both of you to converse with on this. Feel more comfortable.