Those are good choices. I do have a few comments. I don't have Golden Gate but my sister does. To my eye it looks more similar to Sunny Delight or Sun Power. It is upright and wavy. It is a very beautiful plant. King Tut was a standout for me this year. I've had it since 2009 but aparently it's been in the wrong spot. I now know it needs sun to color. It was in a place with morning sun and always stayed kind of blaa and greenish. I moved it to a west facing hot spot. It was the plant that knocked me out. It seemed to glow from within. It is domed shaped vs Golden Gate's upright look. Unfortunately I will have to move it again next year. It loved the sun but later in the summer bleached to almost white so location is probably the key to this one's best location. You asked about placement. That is an individual choice. I think what looks good to you will work. There are places I have reverses of the same plant to show off similarity and contrast. Abiqua Recluse with Paradigm and Academy Blushing Recluse for instance. I also have Satisfaction next to Summer Serenade. When I moved King Tut this year I put a duplicate of Grand Prize in its place in the shadier garden. Grand Prize grows so well and in the shade keeps the yellow border. I realized what a difference the smaller plant made in that garden. King Tut was the same basic size as most of the hostas around it. The smaller Grand Prize showed everybody up much better. I'm now conscious of keeping from having a 'sea' of similar sized hostas where they all blend together. Again, it's just a matter of personal preference. Go with what pleases you.

Conch Key Cottages. One hour in from Key West and absolutely wonderful. Free use of kayaks, separate little fishing cottages, hammocks and coconut palms galore, great owner (imagine if Jimmy Buffett owned the place), and did I mention the twelve cottages are on their own key? We had a great time there, and appreciated being able to drive away from the crowds at Key West and relax at Conch Key.

The key west looks nice in the photo, and I am sure it looks even more beautiful in person. I echo what others say, your cabinets are really nice and warm. The chosen stain makes the grain really stand out, which is lovely, even if it is not exactly what you might have chosen. I also echo the comments to work with what you have - does this counter really compliment your cabinets? That is generally the wow factor from counters. I can see the dark part of the counter pulling out the dark in the grain. I think it could be lovely. But, totally unsolicited, have you considered something lighter that might brighten the kitchen complimenting some of the warmer lighter tones of the cabinets? You reference that the walls and floors are dark and lighter counter could be a really gorgeous contrast, especially if it has bits and swirls of the darker colors or even some gold. I imagine something with a cream/white background (or whatever works with the oak stain.) I have seen a couple of oak kitchen face lifts and they have had lighter counters and it has really made it look fresh. That said - I don't think you could go wrong with what you have picked. It sounds like you love it - congrats!

The MTI tub has a much better warranty than the Mirabelle. If you are planning on staying in the house forever, I would definitely go with the MTI! Quality last!