I forgot to add I don't want traditional or modern, more transitional.SS appl.A more polished look, no Tuscan or country.It opens to a living room w/Austin cream fl/ceil firepl,matching cab on both sides and carpet(color yet tbd)I can post floor plan if that helps

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I'm not sure what you're asking...

Do you want assurances your cabs will not look like thermofoil or MDF? If you have a good quality painted wood, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

You also seem concerned about light...but you said you have three windows on one end...won't they bring in plenty of light? What exposure are they (N, S, E, W)?

Are you looking for granite and/or backsplash advice?

Try posting your layout and your components...that will give us an idea of what configuration/colors/materials you have. (But, be sure to emphasize your layout is final and cannot be changed...assuming it is. Otherwise you will probably also get layout advice...we often cannot resist!)

Meanwhile, take a few deep breaths and relax! I'm sure it will look fine!

You sound a lot like me--a room with not much light, wood floors, cream cabs. Not that any of this has happened for me yet, but that's the plan. I agree from looking at pictures here that white cabs can look very nice, and not at all mfd. I'm planning on a white/light granite to keep things looking light. I also understand that if money is tight you could always do the backsplash later. Another important factor is artificial lighting--you can brighten a room a great deal with the amount and placement of lights. We'll have to keep comparing notes as we go through this--and I'm sure your kitchen is going to come out great!

I felt the same way, so we ordered antique white with a brown accent around the door moulding. Also, our island will be a dark, distressed cherry. I think since you are ordering custom cabinets, you should not have anything to worry about. What is your door style? I think door style has a lot to do with them not looking like thermafoil.

As far as granite, take your your door sample to the slab yard. That is the best way. Good luck.

I have to figure out the picture thing so I can post.I bought the granite and it is called Sienna Bordeaux. Of course I thinks it's beautiful..I just am going w/ the feel...All of this obsessing and planning are so stressful and I know there are things I will wish I had done differently. I brought every single wh/cream paint sample(especially Dover wh and Divine wh which seem to be popular) and OMG.They look DARK.I am going w/Swiss coffee.Thankyou for all the suggestions..I hope you all can keep helping me through!!!

What advice do you need? Not clear what this is about.

As for light, there was a thread about mirrors in a kitchen. Not a bad idea.

Think about the sort of lighting you want long before you are at the point of buying fixtures. Decisions must be made before the electrician arrives, not at end point of the journey. Kitchens with lots of windows and openings to other rooms will do lighting plans that are going to be different from yours. You need to really look into lighting for a dark room. If there is a lighting store by you, pay them for advice from an expert if necessary.

Something I just learned from my daughter, who talked to a lighting person....The daylight type compact fluourescent bulb can give very good light IF you leave it on for 6 hours when you first turn it on. She says she has seen a chandelier-style over-the-table fixture with one oddball bulb that didn't get this treatment and it's clear that the others are giving a different and better kind of light.