Lyvia - the dishwasher its in it's own cabinet, so there are walls on both sides. we are putting in a Domsjo sink and it butts right up the upright part of the DW cabinet (it is an apron front drop in sink). We'll treat the raised part like a corner and wrap the backsplash tile around. The bottom of the backsplash rests on the top edge of the sink, like it does on the back edge. We have to make some modifications to the face frame of the sink cabinet, but that's going to be rather simple. We have to move the DW cabinet over 5/8" and put in a filler strip to get the sink overlap to fit. (the fun part is that means taking the DW out) We've been using this temporary set up for about 9 months now, so I know that there is no problem with having the sink right up to the raised DW. After we got this all set up, DH decided he hated the new sink and gave in to my desire for an apron front. I'd hate the thought of what all our mid-stride changes would have cost if we had someone else doing the work. So far we only rebuilt two cabinest - those above the sink and DW. It would have been worse but we didn't have some built before I decided to go with the window seat/baking center instead of the big island.

I can't believe I've not seen you. You must be on one of the upper decks and I'm stuck down here in the engine room, but, we are definately in the SAME boat. I had to re-make my drawer boxes to get full extension glides. My kitchen is also the one I grew up in, home built early 70's, and re-done once late 80's. Bought the house several years ago, and been DIY remodel ever since trying to get moved in. Makes one wonder if the walls were ever plumb and floors were ever level? (or if houses actually settle THAT much) LOL. Seems the deeper you dig, the more problems you find. Yours is looking good though! Great additions/modifications. Keep up the good work!

katiee: I'm having such a hard time deciding on the tile! DH and I can't agree on a color, and I have no idea about paint anymore. We have a decorator coming on Monday to help us figure things out. Hopefully by then we'll have a better direction where to go. I would be happy with a porcelain tile, at least there is more color selection that way. I'm finding the travertine and tumbled marble I've seen here all have either peach or pink undertones, which I absolutely DO NOT want. I will let you know when we've got it figured out though. Have you decided on anything since you posted? ccombs1: Yes, the reason DH hasn't nailed down the crown is to make the tile installation easier. I appreciate the tip though! Honestly, I realize most of you don't like this idea, but it's not just my kitchen, DH has his own ideas and I believe we need to find some kind of compromise. I'd like to maybe see the section by the kitchen sink to go up to the ceiling, maybe that will be enough to make him happy. Anyways, here are pictures of the place where my husband got the idea of tiling to the ceiling. I realize not everyone agrees with this idea, and that's fine. This kitchen is also fairly different in style to my kitchen, so I realize it's something to take into consideration. The pictures aren't the best, but I wasn't taking them in mind for posting, it's from a place we stayed at for a weekend once, a vacation spot for one of the builders my DH does some work for.

Thanks everyone. Glad you liked the flutes (I think that's what they are called - or are they?) on each side of the sink. We were originally aiming for a 3-inch bump out, but due to plumbing issues, etc, we are only bumping out by 1.5 inches. Although I was not happy about that part, I still think it looks quite nice. We are so excited to come home and see the progress. We are getting simple bar pulls (see below) More pictures to follow...