Noellabelle, wine river does seem to be a fairly un-utilized stone. I liked it because it was quiet which fit the serene vibe I wanted, but it had enough movement to be a bit interesting next to all the white of the cabinets and backsplash. And yes, the hooks on the bottom of the pullout storage area should be mounted for brooms, dustpans, etc. Just haven't gotten to it yet. That corner of the kitchen really bedevilled me. There was a bizarre little niche there, with about a 6" unusable stretch that the contractor originally wanted to drywall in to form a solid wall. With such limited storage space anyway, it was killing me to give it up. And then...I happened to see some photos here of a broom closet hack from I believe an IKEA project. I asked the contractor, he found something in the cabinetry catalog and voila, more storage. It's one feature that always impresses people when I give them a tour of the new space. And, finally, I have to explain why I included those truly gross pictures of the old countertop and grout. People who didn't have to actually use my kitchen would occasionally comment that it was so 'retro' and charming. What they diddn't see was the constant aggravation of trying to keep the grout and tiles clean and sanitary. The stuff was so old, much of it had cracked and worn away. No matter how I scrubbed and cleaned it would quickly go back to being grimy. And, reader, I drew the line at regrouting 60 year old tile! Anyway, I don't want people thinking I raised my family in an untended petri dish kitchen environment. I fought the good fight, until I happily watched that sad old tile get carted out the door in the workmen's buckets. And as so many folks have commented, yes I still walk in or glance around every single day and marvel at how pretty and clean and functional this kitchen is!

tking, yes I have been very happy with the IKEA cabinets and drawers. I have been living with my remodel for a year and a half now and have zero complaints. I just wish I would have done it sooner. I lived with the awful "before" kitchen for 15 years! My kitchen is still very small. Adding the 12" deep pantries and drawers behind my dining area has really made it seem much larger. I also added cabinets below the breakfast bar area. My walls didn't move, but my storage almost doubled. I have "always" been drawn to white kitchens myself. Online, in magazines, & in model homes, white wins hands down for me! I find it much easier to keep clean. See a spot... wipe it up. My old cabinets hid spills too well. Good luck to you in whatever YOU decide!

modern space..with white lacquer cabs?? look at all the different whites./light .....but add some swirl with a shade running through or small flecks or metallic elements giving a bit of sparkle. White gloss lacquer cabinets is a commitment to modern, unless you have something else you've done here......just embrace it and keep it light....of course the next person will say do a dark stone look......

I don't think you made a mistake. I think it might look great. What color are your floors? What is your design style? Midmod? Industrial? Country? Contemp? Here are some pretty galley kitchens on Houzz. Which do you prefer dark or light counters? I like the light countertops. The Iook at this above kitchen with the Virginia Jet Mist granite honed and I think wow black is really pretty too... Good luck with choosing. SO many beautiful spaces to create.