You might want to consider that the HD/Lowes/Wal-marts dont service their products. Which means you will still have to take them to the authorized dealer, who may or may not take it or you may not be a priority. You will pay a little more but you are set up better in the long run. You might try working a deal for extra blades etc, for throwing him some business. Never hurts to ask. They also have a recommended price from the factory, which he then marks up. Sorta like buying a car. Haggle with em.....

If you plan on buying second hand then you really don't need the name of stores like Macy's or any furniture store. check your local Craig's list and the second hand shops. I suggest you read the Funiture 101 thread on here it has lots of helpful info on recognizing well made furniture. you will have to really LOOK at it though even if it means checking underneath it so bring a strong friend when shopping. Remember when looking at NEW pieces that quality and cheap do NOT go together in furniture, or in most things for that matter.

You're on the right track - the more you learn, the better. "This Old House" is well worth watching, and all their remodels are online. A source of tried and true (if unimaginative) ideas are in house plans; there are many online and it pays to spend time looking at how traffic flow, cabinets, entrances, etc are handled. That said, nothing turns off a contractor faster than an armchair expert, so remain open to suggestions. Given your stated like of modern/industrial, I imagine you have have a good idea of what you want, so you might not need a designer, and perhaps not an architect. Hiring a structural engineer for a few hours to look around and to get their thoughts and advice is a great idea. Realtors, remodeling, contractors, codes, financing - it's all a "Wild West" under-regulated mine field - listen to your people skills, your gut instincts, and common sense.

I only have a couple of suggestions: ”We will be staining the floor to be a darker color.” I don’t recommend this. Dark floors are a maintenance nightmare. They show every speck. You will have to clean them constantly because a couple of specks look so glaring against a dark floor they’ll make it seem as if the entire floor is not clean. I am not exaggerating, so mark my words. Meanwhile, the natural stain that is on the floor now shows nothing. I’d keep it if possible. ”Any ideas on backsplash?” Backsplash must be chosen last, after everything else is installed, especially after the counters. Even seasoned interior designers with decades of experience wait to install the backsplash. If you try to pick a backsplash too early you will make a mistake. ”The current island is 3x4. What island size do you recommend?” It is impossible to answer this question without having precise measurements of the kitchen. Anyone who says they can answer this question without drawn-to-scale kitchen measurements you should run far far away from. Plus are you going to have seating or not at the island will certainly affect island size. There are also aisle clearances to keep in mind, and things like can you open the oven door with a bigger island, and what about the flooring under the island what happens to that, and what about seating and counter overhangs for seating, and what about electrical for the island as there are building Code requirements for electrical in the island. As mentioned in the post above, don’t dive in too fast or you will regret it. Though I don’t think you need 6-12 months; I think 3-6 months should give you an idea of what you like and don’t like about the kitchen. It will also help to have the time to research and learn some things about kitchen renovation. In any case, lead times for contractors are, like, 4-6 months these days, so you won’t be able to implement changes in a short time in any case.