Tryin - thanks for the insight on rugs. I was thinking of the flat weave for spills and dirt-- but also because I have two dogs-- and also because my current tufted rug is STILL shedding more than a year later. I just have really fallen for the flat weaves. I will try to go see it and others since I do have a Safevieh preferred dealer fairly close-- I thought this was a GR exclusive based on the description but that doesnt seem to be the case. Mclarke & Just - Yes, I know I should wait until the table arrives but that is soooo long and I'd like to be prepared to jump if I see chairs at a good price. I felt like I needed a better idea of how the room would come together in order to "be prepared". Also, I am eager to ditch the (very nasty) rug that is currently in the DR. Parma - I knew you'd recognize the rug. It is, indeed, very similar to one you were looking at. You make a good point regarding my priorities-- I would say the rug and chairs are my top priority. I think they will be what pulls the room together... and they are the highest dollar purchases. I would like to get chairs that are a little different and unexpected but I keep being drawn back to the traditional styles. I was hoping maybe the rug would take me in a different direction. I was thnking of buying a rug today because I am a bit trigger happy and that isnt usually the case--and because I felt certain that if it didnt work, that I could use the rug in one of my rooms. I will take the collective advice and cool my jets hahah.. but I will keep looking while I (im)patiently await the arrival of my table :) Thanks all!

Not to worry Butternut. DH really wanted it and I liked it, but I couldn't put it together wih everything else so I let DH down easy and we found a totally different rug that is waiting for the new table to arrive. I did notice that there were a couple of different but very similar designs as well as the same design on a cotton backing and on a latex backing. ISn't rug shopping fun? Getting to be like mattresses and the covers with different color fabrics or different patterns in the stitching.

Actually, you could go with a floor that is a couple tones darker as well. If you google hardwood floors and cognac maple cabinets, there are lots of examples of floorings with cabinets similar to yours, I've posted a couple to help offer a visual. It just all depends on the look and feel you want. Even though I personally prefer darker floors, I would still probably go light just because a buyers first reaction to darker floors is often fear that they're harder to keep clean.

Well how nice to be called an angel today! Made my day. The soapstone does not have any green in it- charcoal grey with caramel & white veining. I chose it for the color but it is VERY soft. The scratches kind of go with the age of the house so I don't sweat it too much but it does chip very easily. I had a much harder variety in another house that did have more of a green tint to it. Love the drain runnels for both looks and practicality- since the sink wasn't centered under the window we did the runnels to offset the imbalance. The glass doors open to a walk-in pantry and access to the AC behind the fridge/micro run. I think that door is new but previous owner installed it so not sure- the glass is frosted to hide a multitude of sins. The front of the house was built in 1924 and the addition (in 2000) starts right around where the sunflowers are on the counter. Previous owners added a family room and back staircase down and master up. We used Pale Oak throughout the downstairs and second floor landing. It's a great neutral color. It looks more taupe than grey in my house but is chameleon like. I would definitely get a sample, paint it on a poster board and try it in different places in your house. It offers just enough contrast between trim and walls. Hope your reno goes well- I'm always jealous when I hear someone starting a renovation, then I think back to the reality!