Hi, Pam. If you haven't already, try posting this question on the Discussions side. You'll get more answers.

I have a viking 30 inch vdsc that has been installed for about a year and a half and am happy with it. I chose this range because I wanted a black range and I wanted dual fuel, we have to use a lp tank and did not want to have both the range top and oven dependent on the tank. I am a cook-something-quick-and-easy-that-my-picky-kids-and-picky-husband-will-eat-5-days-a-week cook so did not need a super high powered cook top, I almost never go above med-high. I do use the simmer a lot and it is not the best so I bought a simmer plate to help get an evenly low cooking surface. The burners are closed and have been very easy to clean but I have not had any overflows or cooking mishaps that would get anywhere near that part of the burners. The black, shiny surface that is below the grates of the viking does show every little bit of dirt and I do clean it frequently using soap and water and a dry rag to buff out water streaks. The oven seems to take a bit longer to preheat than my old stove and because it uses the broiler to help preheat you cannot stick items in before the preheat is done or you will burn the tops (I still sometimes put items in early but keep them on the bottom rack.) The oven also cooks a little differently than I am used to, cannot really explain how or why but it does leave most items moister which is nice. If you have concerns with how a viking cooks I would recommend finding a dealer that offers demonstrations, the dealer I bought from had demos all of the time.

One thing I've seen on this forum over the years is that people love all manner of less-than-desirable things. I don't think good design is based on "loving something" unless that thing can be proven as "good" relative to other possible solutions. While some of these things are difficult to categorize, when they are finally sorted out via trial and error, it demonstrates their value. Do tutus really fit as the better solution? I think the problem with them usually boils down to scale.

Consider undermount LED strips for kitchen cab lighting or other areas where you want accent lighting. Not that expensive but you need to plan as it requires a transformer. If you are doing entertainment system, dedicated 20amp circuit where equipment will go. If you have fans in beds make sure you space cans from fan to avoid strobbing. Also keep in mind there is a difference between accent lights, work lights, and lighting to generally fill a room with light. If putting cans in kitchen for work lighting for example install so they are in front of the person cooking. Otherwise you will cast a shadow based upon the direction of the light. This is one of the reasons why I like LED under cab lights. Also pay attention to the color of the light. Especially with LED. I find that most people ignore this when they finish there house all the light is different colors/tones. Make sure you like the light output of the 3000k lamp and get your other lights to match if in the same room. I also like putting walk-in closet switches on inside of closet and on occupancy switches. My son leaves his closet light on all the time and it drives me crazy. Instead of cans over island I would put pendants. Can lights should really be reserved for walkways or to provide general lighting in a room. Consider LED work lights in laundry areas. Similar to old fluorescent but better. If you don't work in the garage I wouldn't spend all the money on those can lights. Sorry for the verbal deluge. Going back and forth from lighting plan to comment. Hope this helps. Good luck.