And, my latest update on the never-ending list of the unanticipated. The fabricator was out and told us that our floors and counters are not anywhere near level. If we want to keep our current backsplash, we need to take out the entire first row of backsplash so the fabricator can create a row of soapstone backsplash to fit under the current tile. This is the only way to get a level appearance and level countertops. And, because of the odd contifutation of our counters (they are of several diffenent heights) he told us that some of the existing backsplash, where the tile is cut to go around the current countertop, might need some replacement tiles........... So, what are the chances that we can actually take out that row of tiles without actually breaking tiles above them? Probably pretty low. So, this may now also mean an all new backsplash. More work and more money. All because I said I just wanted to do a quick upgrade to our counter tops.......

We bought the kitchen sink and faucet set. Now a year after installing we have a leaky hose near the pull-down sprayer. I removed the hose and took it to Lowe's (where we bought it last year) and Home Depot. Neither could find a replacement hose. I call around a few local plumbing supply stores and they recommended contacting Ruvati company in Texas to get the part number. I had to open a warranty ticket to find out they have no replacement hoses and they do not have any information on parts. Sink, faucets and accessories look good, but with the time I've sunk into trying to find a simple part, I wouldn't recommend anything of theirs. Stay with a company that sells replacement parts for what they sell.

Finally back:) I do like the micro by the fridge. I used to have a microwave on a microwave shelf and I found it a little high for me - but I am short and so are my daughters. If I ever design a kitchen for myself I will have the microwave lower than the upper shelf. I may do something like this: To do a kitchen like Loretta's the fridge and oven would be on the same wall. Then there would be no cabinetry at all on the present wall with the fridge so that there would be room for an island. You want 42 inches between sink and island. You can do less space between island and wall (that side of the island would have the seating) but you probably want at least 36 inches there. I do not know if you would want to give up the cabinetry for the island or now need to redo the floor for a style change. I will say that with my wood cabinetry (which I prefer too), I am glad I am not surrounded by it, but have an open wall for decor and that lightens up the space. I think a few measurements will help with workable suggestions. I have a very vintage French Country kitchen. It is in my idea book but I don't think it offers inspiration for the modern space you are planing except it is an L with an island:)

Yes, silverlined, I don't want to spend the money that people put into the very high end sinks. But, I am definitely willing to spend more than the typical sink costs. This is a small, condo townhouse kitchen and not a huge family house. I know what the place can carry as far as investment into the kitchen. I appreciate all of the very diverse comments and am now at the point where I have decided some of the function over form advocates are perhaps correct. I will (probably) go with whatever material comes in the sink configuration I want--another huge dilemma because I don't just want a standard single basin sink and am instead looking for a drainboard or a work station configuration that is less than $1000. Thanks all.