Drop in gas ranges were made in the past. Clearly if a unit has been in service for 30 years, there is minimal risk in putting it closer to the floor. Checking the installation instructions of current electric drop in some only require 27" from the top level. Remember heat rises so the floor is not likely the hottest area around the stove. The OP is asking for a non conventional solution to a problem, hence non-conventional approaches were suggested. If one put nonflammable materials on the floor (tile, or cement board) underneath a shortened range it would reduce the risk of fire. I would think some air gap would be needed but likely not the ~4" gap that most pro ranges have. It is also my understanding that some commercial ranges have casters on them. I doubt that the casters that are used are completely incombustible as metallic casters could damage floors. The double oven ranges that are currently available either with a drawer type oven or a small oven over a larger oven have minimal clearance over the floor. Give someone realistic options rather than it can't be done. However, in all honesty refurbishing the original unit is likely the best approach. One other alternative would be to look at the used market depending on the OP's location if homes built in the 'drop in' craze are being remodeled some units may be available on Craigslist or ReStore or similar area.

Okay, here are the shots of my main living space. You can see in the last photo the new color I painted in the foyer/hall area. I was trying to work with that family for the kitchen since it's all open to each other. I just remembered (duh) that my fireplace insert is that dark green/black a couple of you mentioned. So it would make sense if that color was carried into the kitchen. I love the idea of something distressed. I'm not sure if I can get dh to go for white walls - although we have some white doors and windows. I have also considered using wood inserts in the cabinet doors and on the backsplash. Also, there are a couple of posts currently on the kitchen board about cabinets painted to mimic wood or at least the colors of wood. What do you think about that as an option? budge - I totally agree about the counters. Trying to make them work has been the biggest challenge. I'm just not into them...even though I have green trim outside and a huge green metal roof. If I could be sure painted counters wouldn't be a big pain to maintain, I'd go for it. I saw on Color Correction on HGTV recently where they painted over ceramic tile counters with some sort of epoxy. I haven't had any luck finding out on the internet what product they used...but it's still on the back of my mind. patricia - great idea about the bathroom refinishing pros. I hadn't thought of that. I'll have to check into that. Can I say thank you again and not sound like a broken record?

White subway tile or just paint. None of the stone look tile go with the counter. As a buyer I'd rather have to tile a backsplash than rip out a backsplash and then tile it! Discordant/jarring/glaring backsplashes are one of my biggest turnoffs. I think it's the area where most people make a mistake in their renovations... so many people want to add "interest." Most places need less interest, not more. On the other hand, lighting is crucial. Would far rather someone put in the necessary lighting and just paint the backsplash. But that's me! Your mileage may vary! Good luck :)

Hi Karina, It looks like your garden area has lots of potential. I'd look through images of gardens online so that you start to get clarity about your own sense of style, what you like and dislike. Also, make a list of goals for the garden (eg : play space for the kids, grilling area, dining / entertaining area, herb/vegetable garden. or whatever makes sense for you). Knowing what you want to be able to do in the garden, as well as what is beautiful to you, is a good start. Then measure the garden and make a basic plan of its shape, and include the house and the placement of windows and doors (measure their location). See if you have an outdoor GFI electrical outlet, and a hose bib or faucet---if you use low voltage landscape lighting and an irrigation system, you will need these. (You will want the irrigation outlet to be continuous, that is, you won't want it on a switch because you don't want anyone to turn the irrigation off). I can't tell what part of the country you are in? But from the photos, a few thoughts: - it looks like you may get a lot of sun, and so if you're in the right zone, a fragrant garden would do well: lavender, rosemary, butterfly bush, monarda. rose, perhaps lilac, plants like that. Or are you in California? I can't tell, but plants that make sense in your area; you can discuss with your local plants nursery. You'll want to choose either an angular, geometric garden or organic, curvy shapes for the layout. From what I can see of the photos, one design I would try out would be : formal vegetable and herb and fruit garden in the sunny area near the house (if it gets full sun), with gravel walks. Also, flower beds. A terrace with shade of some kind (sail cloth, or umbrella, or pergola). Then I'd make a small woodland where there are tall fences, this may be along the side of the house where the pool is, it's hard to tell in the photos. There could be seating in a few areas: a bench in the herb garden or a chair & ottoman there (eg adirondack chair, nothing fancy); dining table or deeper seating with a dining-coffee table on the terrace, for say 6-10 people if that makes sense for your lifestyle; and then a bench or a couple of chairs in the "woods" area. You could also incorporate a small oval or rectangle of grass for play space. Good luck with your design process. I think you might find helpful hints on how to approach designing your own garden on gardenista.com