Thanks for all the suggestions. I will not be changing the bar since it would incur a HUGE expense to do so and it is just not possible unless I want to take off the granite entirely and just go to counter height. Not happening so thanks for the input on that but its staying this way:) The bar is not that much higher than normal- only two inches. It hard for me since I am shortwaisted but would be fine for most normal adults. We are not planning on using it for daily use or even eating; just hanging out and entertaining. Most of the group are pretty tall:)I am the only shrimp in the group! There is no way to change it so thanks for the suggestions on doing that but other than putting up another 2000 for granite, it just not happening. I was really looking for input on the stools and have found several sources for higher than normal chairs. It really only has to be a couple inches higher than normal- 32 vs 30. I have even seen ones that are 34 inches so I am little confused as how this is a safety issue? Oh and Babs711- thanks for input! I never thought of just adding a bit more upholstering to raise it a bit. It only needs to be a couple of inches so that would work. Really love the bar stools I saw at Ikea this weekend and they are slipcovered. I could make my own a bit bigger to accomodate the larger seat stuffying. Great idea and just what I was looking for- thanks!

Beautiful, cozy, elegant! My black soapstone just came in. My cabinets are a very light maple shaker style. Appliances all Stainless steal. I will have an island. It's time to paint my newly sheet rocked walls. I'm leaning toward white with a different white for trim and ceilings but there are so many whites I can't decide. I am worried about making it too cold and sterile. Also thinking of a very slight gray perhaps on one walls. The kitchen has decent light but not great. The entry near sliding door has raja slate. I do not have high ceilings but they are 11 ft. It is not completely open to living room but partially open to dining room. Backsplash will be white sub tile. Any suggestions for paint color. We like clean, crisp, minimalist looks with straight lines but also cozy. Thanks for any suggestions!

Ballard Designs. They were back ordered, so we bought temporary ones at Target that we then gave to my parents when the permanent stools arrived. The Target stools were solid, wouldn't have minded using them long term. Ballard ones are very nice, too, and were not expensive. Also liked some from Crate and Barrel, and Sundance. Bar stool shop ping was awful, IMO. I didn't like the looks of 99% of what was out there, and many of the ones that looked good were uncomfortable. Didn't leave a lot options! But we love what we have:

Jant - Didn't even think about the DR chairs. Very good point. I don't care for the styles that close together. Someone will get some stools with potential for a good price! Necia - Thank you! I took some close up photos. The lady who made them sews for fun but never made anything like this before. When I got the remaining fabric back there were square pieces left over for around the bottom she pieced on. I asked her to make them as you see but if I could do it again it would be better if they somehow fit around the top of the stool. I cut out those rubber shelf liners for on the stools thinking it would help keep them in place. They're fine to sit on but when you get up they usually need adjusted. Since I don't really use them it doesn't bother me. I'm sure I can rig them somehow but I didn't get around to it. Maybe a big square of velcro. :) The stools are 24". Top is 12". I ordered the foam online from the place in the link below. Bought the 2" thick Lux Foam High Quality. The pleats are 5" long. The gold fabric is silk and she picked up that white piping stuff. She wasn't sure how to finish the piping but I think it looks fine how she did. I know they're not the norm but I do get a lot of compliments on them and I think they look nicer IRL. Hope this helps! *I see the pleats are a little wrinkled. .. Also please ignore the weights on the floor. It's a Christmas present that didn't make it in the door far! Val - We had some friends visit recently with young ones. We discovered is house is not kid proof in any way. lol I'll keep that in mind! Here is a link that might be useful: Foam Factory