Jenk  as owner builders doing lots of new building science in an area famous for not changing... yeah, we had a lot of resistance from various subs. We found it helped to do two things. First - try not to see their questions as criticism or the sub not wanting to do it your way, but that they just may have not heard about the way you want it done. (even with the subs who really just donÂt want to do it a new way, it helps YOUR state of mind). Put it to them in those terms  "I know itÂs new to this area" (thus they are not expected to know about it) "but weÂre really set on doing it this way for these reasons." And while you may not feel like you should have to explain your reasons, you will get better work if they feel like part of the process. Trades people are not all stubborn mules against learning something new. Second  know what you are talking about  if you are vague nobody is going to take you or your ideas seriously. Graphics and visual aids are helpful if itÂs really new. When we discussed our plans to insulate our crawlspace walls (virtually unheard of in this county/state), we showed the people involved the drawings and research on the method. It took some arm twisting to get the county inspectors behind the idea but between the printed sheets and calm discussions they approved the finished work. Our HVAC people loved the idea and now they recommend it to other people. They hadnÂt heard of it before our house, but we presented in a way that they felt they didnÂt need to defend their experience. Even in the "just how you want it" stuff itÂs not always a matter of Âmy-way-itisÂ. We did two walk throughs with our electrician before he would string one wire. On both trips he would ask us, Âwhy do want this here? and Âhow about having that there?Â. This wasnÂt to discourage us from what we wanted, but to find out what our reasons were so he could make suggestions. He had wired enough houses to know what people tend to regret later, and he made some great suggestions that we went with. The stuff I was sure of I had reasons for and it didnÂt bother me to explain them to him. I hope this helps, and good luck!

Tinker - I really respect your willingness to keep as much of the home as you could. It is absolutely beautiful and exactly the style I would choose as well. We're just finishing picking fixtures for our new addition and fell in love with that style of schoolhouse fixture you put in the kitchen. I love your kitchen! That would be a dream space for me. And the laundry - oh, the laundry! In theory, I agree with totsuka. I think that the bar has been raised in this country, and many people are putting upgrades in their kitchens and baths that aren't necessary. It would be silly to put granite countertops in our modest bungalow, but I think some home buyers expect it. HGTV or whatever has made us think that somehow cooking on certain surfaces is mandatory. I was struck when I lived in England how dingy that carpet often was and how home dwellers didn't seem to notice. I appreciate that sense that if it works it's okay even if it isn't current. Maybe I misread the aesthetic there, but I had the sense they had lower expectations, at least in my circles. Not everything had to be perfect, and people were used to living in older spaces. But having said that, what you did is extraordinary. And if you have the money, I think home improvement is one of the most satisfactory ways to spend your money, especially if you are committed to restoring rather than renovating.

Oh gosh. Yes, I am sick of choosing stuff :-) And I haven't seen a granite I just "love". Maybe I'm just not meant to find the granite love of my life (heck, I'm lucky to have the human one!). Now, I have seen some granites I'd love to have on the island, but when it comes to an all-over choice, I don't want to use them everywhere (too busy and light). I've toyed with a dark perimeter--but don't want Absolute Black--and an accent island. I've pretty much given up that idea. Hubby wants input on the granite choice but has entered his busiest time of the year at work and won't be able to go look at granites again. I need to choose next week since the cabs are going in on Monday and we're trying to meet the June 30 deadline for the tax credit. Thanks for the suggestions and the pics! What I've not done is seen these granites side-by-side, but will do so on Monday. I have seen a kitchen done in Emerald Pearl, which is where I first "found" it. The cabs are the same as mine and their wall color looks to be Blonde, also. So, to me, that was a safe choice since I've seen it done and liked it. Maybe it wasn't love at first sight, but I think we could have a long and comfortable relationship together. Thanks!

Martha Stewart started the whole thing with a Martha Stewart Living magazine cover that made everyone gasp - at the time. I think it was 2005 or 2006. It was so unusual, almost unheard of then to do a gray kitchen. She also used about 6 different gray paint colors, unlike the gray monotone kitchens now. The problem is that the subsequent zillions of imitators do not have Martha’s exquisite eye for color and proportion, nor the high ceilings and windows. Almost all the literally thousands of gray kitchens marching across Houzz are dull, uninspired, and desperately copying what they think is current. Can’t wait for people to stop this. Martha’s kitchen: