BalTra, it's nice but in no way does it fit your notion of flexibility. Both the banquette and the island would be built in. Neither could move an inch. Plus, given your square footage limitations, why build in TWO small dining areas? Maybe just a seat at a nice-sized but not large island for kiddo or a friend to keep you company? But you don't want a "large" "formal" table in your kitchen for everyday meals--of course not. Precious few would. How about instead a nice cozy table for 2-4 that expands to hold 8? Handsome enough to dress up but with a tough finish that doesn't showcase fingerprints? Or the table you mentioned that could be separated into various parts and put back together as needed? Or a table that lowers and raises as desired? All are ways to design in comfort and flexibility instead of building in inadequacy. You could, of course, if you wished also have a fine-quality banquette-style seat that's super comfy to pull the table, or a piece of table, up to; I'm thinking more of a custom couch for dining, though, which doesn't have to be bolted to the wall and floor. With your table pulled over, or pieces placed at the ends and in front, it would allow friends to dine or lounge for hours.

Kmcg - Thanks! Regarding the outlet covers do you paint the actual outlet part the cord goes in? How does that hold up over time? We honestly only ever use one of those outlets around the counter. Ok, two with the coffee maker on the other side. Would it look dumb to just paint the outlets around the counter? Haha I was worried about having enough outlets but didn't think twice about my cabinet placement! *sigh* it's really not funny I suppose. I wanted to mention, I think I'm going to head to the kitchen forum and post pics on suggestions. I would like to get a price to somehow fix my FR issue. I can't get rid of the FR because it's not even a year old.

yes, after you paint the top just get the glass cut and lay it on top. I like the idea of the deeper kaki paint on the cabs (in semi-gloss) ... paint the molding on top of the cabinet as well, as it is part of the cabinet. For a nice painting job, be sure to sand the cabinets with sand paper warped around a block of wood, or try the new sanding sponges...start with the medium grit, then finish off with fine grit. I use the fine sanding sponges for my last sanding. Sorry, I have no glass on top of counters or furniture. The glass you have in the background of you stained glass window looks like it is water glass. There is lovely water glass selections available. There is another glass I forgot to mention -- glue glass. Glue glass is the least expensive of all the glass and is very pretty as well. Here's another idea...mirror background between the upper and lower cabs. Mirrors are wonderful in the right places. Look around your house for a mirror and place it there and see the impression you get. We have mirrored back splashes in our kitchen, it reflects light and picks up the colors from the countertop. I think painting the inside of the cabinet the lighter shade of kaki like your walls would look very nice.

I had a similar situation. My DR and LR are open to the kitchen. My DR and LR furniture is cherry. I really wanted white/cream kitchen cabinets. DH wanted cherry. Although I LOVE cherry, I felt it would be too dark for the kitchen and too matchy/matchy with the DR and LR. I am very happy that I went with the white/cream cabinets. I got kitchen stools to match my cherry furniture and I think it really tied it all together. http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/bbtondo/327045169209.jpg http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/bbtondo/520582865209.jpg http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/bbtondo/764662865209.jpg