Thanks. It looks like I got 2 votes for option (A) - curved counter. I do have a LR/DR combo at the front of the house for formal dining. We will spend majority of the time in the family room/kitchen. We have 2 eating areas (casual table and counter/booth) because I want to have 1 are for eating dinner and the other area for spreading out homework (2 teenage kids) without having to clean up homework stuff for dinner. The house is simple modern-ish style with very open floor plan and tons of windows. If I have thought of option (C) with Island & built in banquette booth, I would change the layout of the kitchen and have banquett booth and some counter space with bar chairs. However, the walls are already up and I can't come change current floorplan - perhaps you have some thoughts and suggestions?

Pip, your kitchen is gorgeous. Would you mind telling me what size the backsplash tiles are? They look to be 1x2. Do you know what color grout was used? Do you know if your installer sealed those tiles before grouting? Did you notice the color looked the same or different after it was grouted? I have been searching for white onyx backsplash and what I've found doesnt seem to have as much color variation as yours. I contacted Stone Mill in CA and it is too cost prohibitive to have it shipped to me in MD, so I am trying to find something on this side of the country that comes close. Thanks

Marji, I love my JennAir. It is so perfect. We do use the water in the door and DH grumbles about it from time to time but even he admits I made a good choice. The ice in the drawer is actually a great arrangement and so easy to use. Because the refrigerator is counter depth things don't get pushed to the rear to become science projects gone wild! I love the glass version and highly considered using it in black. I was so heartily sick of ss that I really wanted something different. We get very bright sun for a few hours in the morning and I thought the dust would freak me out so despite my apprehension we went with the SS. It is really a breeze to care for unlike the ss on the fridge in our other home. I was very concerned about picking appliances because of the terrible reviews on all brands but I am extremely pleased with the whole package of JennAir appliances that I purchased and don't regret any of them. A2 I think of you often. I love your kitchen and saw a glimpse of it again in another post. You were such a wonderful support through my reno! Thanks again. How is the biking going? I admire your stamina, I am in awe of the amount of miles you log.

Remodel-Mama - I really like your choices. You have lovely taste and should trust your instincts. I know that feeling - you could stick with the simple and know it would look nice or take a risk and have your place look...wow. I LOVE what circus peanut posted. I don't know where you get stuff like that, but Jeffery Court carries some hand painted tiles that are interesting. http://www.jeffreycourt.com/chpt4_handpainted_tiles.asp Another route is something in the same color family but a little softer. Both Pratt and Larson (makes a "watercolor" glaze that I could not find on the website) and Winchester make a soft handmade glaze that has a little variability/interest but could be a softer treatment in the same color family that would compliment the walls and give a little punch without overwhelming. Here is a link to Winchester "Mars" - http://www.winchestertiles.com/range.php?c=28&r=35# The tile you posted looks strong with a flat color - with your antiqued island I would be looking for something with a little more variability and character like a watercolor finish or a crackle. Or even a real terracotta tile :) Looking forward to seeing your choice. The kitchen looks beautiful so far.