Old thread, just wanted to add: There were radios built into tables, in particular the Atwater Kent 55 or 60 model built into a 6-sided table in about 1929 by Kiel furniture co. However the table had to have quite a bit of space (6") vertically inside to hold all the bulky electronics. I'm not sure how this one is put together but I doubt a radio of that era would fit under the average dining room table. If they did, the controls would have been on the side or top, not underneath. The Atwater Kent had a small hinged door on one side that flipped down to reveal the tuning dial and knobs. What you have there is called an escutcheon or dial plate, btw. I'm thinking they used it to repair or shim something. However if you find odd bolt holes that no longer hold anything, it's possible...

Okay, now that you've explained all that, I think I understand. I live in a open plan and everyone still crowds into the kitchen! I am a believer that function comes first and form should follow. You'll end up with a hybrid look, but it will be better for living I am sure. I was also thinking how nice it is that the sink and DW will be right there. We have a similar set-up from the patio, we can pass dishes through a sliding window right onto the sink deck. It's great. Getting back to your original questions...I don't know a lot about soapstone, but I think if you can find a "clean" one it will be okay. You mean for in the kitchen, right? I was thinking about wood for the bar surface. Then as I read back, I think you have already considered that. Don't rule out quartz, btw. Not sure why you don't like granite...maybe just because you love soapstone! Also, do get a quote on custom (not the brand...the concept!) because it might price out better than you think and you'll get exactly what you want. Maybe you can make a trade-off somewhere. Contractors in some areas are slow with the decline in the market. People I know have been getting fast service and better prices. I think the biggie is finding fridge panels and slab doors that really look nice with your DR furniture. Counter material is less important IMO. I don't like the white as much as I like the Custom doors...wood with black, especially for the fridge. Mixing in some painted black units could give you the unfitted look suggested above. And maybe you could even find frameless cabs to paint black to go with whatever you have to do to get the black/wood look on some of them. (Yes, leave it to me to make things as difficult as possible!) Have you thought about color? I know Allison's F&B French Gray appeals to you. Maybe there is a color in the Bird of P fabric you could use, a dark gray/green or something. Often, one way to ease a style transition is through color. Like even when the style is different (a less formal kitchen) if there is a color connection, it makes sense to the eye/brain on a deeper level. I do it all over my house...because I have no style! ;-) One last thing to think about... I am a huge fan of frameless cabs and will never "go back" if I don't have to. But, I also find that I can get along fine with very little in the kitchen in the way of food and equipment. I have satellite storage (pantry shelves in the nearby laundry room and a linen closet I borrowed for seldom used dishes, candles, napkins, etc.) and find I really only need about 20-30% of what I have (equipment and food) on a daily basis. Just something to think about...aesthetics vs. storage. Which matters the most, etc...

Beautiful room! I love the combination seating you have but if you decide to not use the bench for some reason then I would suggest 2 more black Windsor side chairs and just use the parsons at the head and foot of the table. I have white upholstered chairs at the head and foot of my RH salvaged pine trestle table and wood side chairs with slips only on the seats. I love this look - the linen slips are a nice, soft contrast to the rustic table. I was also considering black Windsor side chairs for my table but wasn't sure and then found my chairs on sale at Shabby Chic. I fell in love with them because they're so pretty but DH is not a fan due to comfort. He would have preferred the Windsor chairs. Looking at your photos, I can see they would have looked great! Can you share where you found your sign and clock hanging on the walls? I need to find some interesting wall decor!

It seems that you prefer the cherry table, so that's what I'd go with. Especially since it's in better condition. You are concerned that it might get worn with everyday use (and it probably will), but at the worst it will then just be in the same condition as the oak table is already. I wouldn't use a table cloth on a daily basis either, but place mats will look nice and provide some level of protection for the table. In addition, the cherry table is the least expensive option since refinishing the oak table would be expensive--and you'd also have to get new chairs to go with it.