For over 20 years we have been having a nice little party. Started the first year we were married, and none of our friends were. All of us right out of school and no money to go out to the big scene. We used our silver wedding dishes and leftover napkins from the reception. Had a really fun time. Then in our first house we would have the babies asleep, and people could bring their kids and playpens. Low key fun with friends. Onto the house we raised our kids in. Everyone could bring their kids to the party, so no one had to pay for a babysitter. Somehow the kids all played together famously, and managed to stay up past midnight and be a delight. Everyone brought an appetizer to share, so it was a casual party and not much work since the house was already deep cleaned from the holidays. This is the first year in our new (empty nest) house. Our kids are in college, and they are still coming to the party, except now they are all old enough to take part fully. When we told our friends we were moving, usually the first thing they wanted to know was if we still planned to have our new years eve party. It has become a really nice tradition. I think that us and all of our friends like to get together, not spend any money, and not shout over a loud bar scene. It is really a nice time. Just wanted to put this out there in case anyone else might want to start a nice little tradition like this too.

My former house is in Montclair, and the kitchen was done 8.5 yrs ago by Kitchen Expressions in Millburn. I was very happy with the quality. I enjoy the process so I have to say a fair amount of the layout was my idea and the design part too. As I am now reaching the end of an 19 month project on a different house in a different state, i look back on the kitchen job and appreciate that they were very close to on budget and on schedule. The kitchen held up very well too. Fwiw the project ws down to the studs and the total cost was about 125k. I dont know how to link you to an old post but there are pictures of that kitchen in a post by me called "finished kitchen".

Threeapples- Getting a designer is a great idea! You're building an entire home (not just remodeling one room) and you'll have so many decision to make! A designer can help keep you on track with your construction schedule, as well as assist in pulling together the different choices you've already made. Right now, I don't think you have too many finishes in your kitchen...and I would say you have a very good idea what you like and what will work, in your space. You posted this question because you're having doubts about using the marble on every countertop...and I think you're right. But, as Athensmom said, even designers get help with their own homes...because we all tend to second guess ourselves. Best of luck, on your search for a great designer :)

It does come in different colors, but in my experience if you are working on wood that has already been refinished (like my cabinets were) it is hard to get them even unless you go pretty dark. (I have done seven gel stain projects.) I used general finishes Brown Mahogony, but have seen a lot of beautiful transformations on this site with Java from General finishes. I wouldn't say its hard, its just time consuming and you need to have an area that is not dusty where you can work on it and where they can dry. If you have a lot of nooks and crannies on your wood you have to take special care to get it even so you can see the fabric mark. And you have to realize that it will look pretty ugly before it looks pretty nice lol I have also used minwax on a bathroom vanity and I would probably suggest you steer clear of that product, it is not as good as general finishes. Here is a link that might be useful: Gel stain freakout