Of course, I see the open shelves now. I should have looked more closely before asking! I do think they would mirror each other and could be a nice design feature. FWIW- I don't think the gap you mention as a possibility on either side of your window would look bad though I know it would cut into your storage space since you would need to replicate on the other side. I've seen some kitchens with a purposeful gap and they looked good. Like you I need to see everything mocked up. I have a hard time visualizing, especially scale. (BTW, the space between the fridge and the range seems very tight. One design we considered had a similar space and I just could not figure out what I would do with that counters pace. Of course, I feel like every time I solve one design problem, I create a new one.) I would like a feature hood- maybe a flared chimney style though that is probably not going to work visually. It might end up being a sort of chunky mantel type. My space is small. Very small. The corner like yours runs into my range instead of my sink. The thread you linked to really helped! I am more resolute about using an open cabinet now. This post was edited by belle_va on Mon, Mar 18, 13 at 18:23

Thank you for the photos! It's helpful to see some options. I'm still hitting the finished kitchens blog trying to find good examples to show my husband. Segbrown...it is helpful to see your cabinet. Ours would wrap around the corner (and not go to the counter) but would be similar. It's helpful to see your you utilize your shelving! farmhousebound...I LOVE your kitchen. I originally started out wanting cabinets that were a similar green as you have. Although we changed to white, I am always drawn to that color. Your kitchen is very inviting :) thanks again!

"...I don't know what is 8+9. ...." I see you used a liquid waterproofing from Laticrete now. Was the reinforcing mesh used? Was the concrete board all first taped with mesh and thin-set and allowed to dry prior to waterproofing? Was the waterproofing given seven days to cure prior to flood test? Did you flood test? "....Attaching some more pics to give an idea of original framing as well as waterproofing layers…....." I don't like any of the framing you show in that first picture. The walls appeared to be framed with "Hat Track" which we use for boarding ceilings here in Vancouver. You would expect to see 2"x4" wall studs metal with 2"x4" Metal Track top and bottom. Seeing these I fear your wall assembly was not rigid enough and the failed grout the result of the wall flexing when pushed on. At the very top you see the Metal Track. There is one up and one down. Both pinned to the concrete floor and ceiling with wedge pins. I raised the ceiling to make room for the rain head and am adding a boarder inside the shower to continue the old ceiling height. Even these studs are pretty light weight. I believe the proper stud by the book is the heavier gauge stud. The kind not stocked in Home Depots but rather the drywall metal speciality stores. Local inspectors let this fly but crack down hard on wood framing and no firestopping. The spray foam I used in stead of throwing away. I find it adds one more level of strength to a new dropped in stud. Once dry it gets screwed off from the back side. Why does it appear you used two layers of 1/4" backer board. Looks like first 1/4" Wonderboard then 1/4" Hardie? The poly behind the backer board would be I think designed to lap over a rubber liner or something like Noble Company's Chloral. Link URL: http://noblecompany.com/products/chloraloy/

I don't think you've left enough room on the left side of the refrigerator to open the door fully, and the remaining space on the right looks too small to support a functional countertop. I think a counter there would just be a clutter collector, and not useful for actually working on. I would put a full-height cabinet there for brooms, cleaning supplies, etc, and pantry storage (you can put one cabinet with an interior divider to separate food from the rest) and continue with full-depth cabinets over the refrigerator. I would put a pull-out in the cabinet over the refrigerator, or tray storage. I'm a little confused by your statement "I will most likely use it for pots or non perishable food" combined with your statement that you're working on a rental property. Are you going to be living there, or renting it out?