I don't know what kind of space you're working with but storage is at a premium in my kitchen. I spent a lot of time thinking about how I work when I cook when planning my kitchen. Aside from not having room for a specific baking area there's a lot of cross over with spices & things that aren't used solely for baking so I like everything living in one cabinet. Agree about the doors over the spices. It's better for the spices & things can get messy and/or crammed. It may not always look picture perfect. Plus keeping those jars clean is going to drive you nuts, not to mention the potential for dust etc to settle in the baking cups. My upper cabs are 11" deep and I have risers in the spice cabs that look like little steps. Basically I can see 4 rows of spices on one shelf, the only concession is that I write the names of the spices on the sides of the caps since I can't always see the labels. If you don't have room for a pull out trash in your baking area you can always do what I do I use a "garbage bowl" while you work. Trash gets tossed into the bowl then carried over to the garbage when all is done. I've found this to be really handy! Things like eggshells & butter wrappers just get tossed into the open bowl as opposed to having to open a door or pull out. Here's a picture of my kitchen before it was finished (notice the dixie cup pendants) but it gives you a good idea of what I'm working with. The upper cab to the right of the stove is where the spices, oils & flavorings live. On the counter directly underneath I keep a few canisters & my stand mixer (I keep it underneath a fabric cover to keep dust out). The base cabinet beneath them is all drawers & they hold cooking utensils, measuring spoons, rolling pins, parchment, etc. The actual prep work is done on the peninsula (underneath the dixie cups). This way I have room to spread out. This is my work area for everything. I still have counter space to either side of the stove (which I didn't have before) and plenty of room to spread out. See those open shelves up top? I wanted them in order to display some Fiesta and also as a callback to my mother's kitchen which had open shelves like that on either side of the window. I love having them but they are DUST MAGNETS! All of the dust that can't get into the cabinets to settle on the spice jars must settle there. Good luck with this. You're going to live it when it's done. Cloud_Swift- I recognized your gorgous granite before I realized that it was your post! too funny. Nina

Badgergal, your Otto pendants are beautiful and look so great with your tile BS. I noticed the height difference in your reveal post -- looks good. Pricklypear, I've debated the curvy track a lot. This island lighting issue is going to give me an ulcer, lol. Amanda, thanks, I like both Tech pendants too. When you say I should pay for more holes, do you mean I should use those pendants without a track? GWlolo, believe me, I have been shopping around a lot for track systems. Because of our vaulted ceiling, which is 10' high above the island, I need a system that has 2' rigid supports as an option. That seems to eliminate most companies. We were originally going with a Bruck system with their Rome pendant, but my designer did not like their cable supports and how many would be required. (Plus, the cost was not any lower.) Hosenemesis, I'm glad to hear you like the Dervish too. I think 3 of them would be too much for an 8' island. Just to clarify, I am trying to decide between using 3 smaller pendants, like the 5" diameter Tech pendants, or 2 larger (15" or 22" diameter) pendants, like the Dervish. I welcome more comments on which option is better for an 8' x 4.5' island. TIA!

Honestly, I think your house looks great. I wouldn't go overboard with accessorizing. I would suggest leaving the curtains up in the living room as they give some color and interest without being overbearing (the shears alone would make it a bit sterile). Put a nice simple print over the mantle. Wouldn't put anything else on the walls in the living room. Wonder if the upstairs hallway runner would be better served in the foyer. That space could use a larger rug and the hallway will be fine without one. Agree the foyer table should be dressed up more. The wall space above would be great with a small/medium sized decorative mirror and the table top could use a couple decorative items (maybe you have a couple of nice candlesticks for the table). OR, you could put an nice buffet lamp on the table and a greenery arrangement. For the second bedroom, take the desk out and move the bed away from the window (center it more on the wall). Third bedroom, either remove the curtains or change out the quilt to something solid. The patterns compete with each other (although each alone are very nice). You could change out the hardware on the cabinets, but I think buying some plush towels and a bath mat would be good enough. You can get everything you need at Walmart, Target or any store that sells home decor items. You have done a great job!! I would be thrilled to see your house if I were looking in your area.

I think this is a real puzzle. I too don't know the answers. I just have more thoughts. I know you asked about your kitchen but you whole apartment could work better. Since you really only need a half bath on the main floor for guests, I would take over some or all of that bath to expand your master bath and closet. Close the door to give you more wall space and change the access door to your bedroom. The laundry could be part of that or moved to the old kitchen location or the half bath could move to the old kitchen spot. You could also leave the toilet, vanity and door there for the half bath and just expand to the area where the tub is. You say it's just 2 of you and a dog now but hope for a little one. Since your storage space in the lofted space is over the main bath I would add a full bath above it. The small bedroom there could be an ensuite. Good for guests now and a child later. You have an awful lot of seating for 2 people. How often do you need dining for 10+? would the space dedicated to it be better used for something else? Look for a small table that could expand and shorten the island. When space is limited how it functions is even more important. If you entertain a lot maybe the kitchen is most important.