Again. Swap the oven and the refrigerator. Refrigerators belong on a kitchen's outskirts, not in it's heart. You're creating crossing traffic patterns that will be a PIA. Use the depth of the pantry to be able to recess a full sized refrigerator. Swap the cooktop and cleanup sink and flank the cooktop with two windows. Put a small prep sink on the island. Now your traffic patterns don't cross and you have a dedicated counter for baking from the wall ovens into the pantry area with the sink there and the oven is close enough to the cooktop to be able to sear something and finish it off in the oven. The food goes from the fridge or pantry on the outskirts to the island at the kitchen's heart to be prepped, then a quick turn to place it on the cooktop or into the oven. The prep stuff gets hidden in the cleanup sink and the island serves as buffet space for the dinner. Then all of the dinner dishes and prep stuff go into the cleanup sink area which is closer to the dining area and that's where the clean dishes are stored when they come out of the DW. Ideal traffic patterns for both the people and the things.

I will not be needing a gimbal for the two new recessed lights. They will not be used to highlight anything on the wall. (see pic's below) I just need for lightening above the sofa because it is too dark in the seating area . Unfortunately I do not have the manufacturer's name, the design electrician never gave it to me (and it is so many years ago). My thing is that I just want it to look nice & not look awkward. If I can't get the same exact gold rim (naturally without the gimbal) then I feel I would have to go with a white rim or no rim recessed above the dark sofa area. My concern (I would appreciate your honest opinion) ... Do people mix them up like that? Have two different style recessed lightening in the same room? see the dark area where my verticals are (left of sofa). You can also see the gold gimbals recessed on the right. Thank you for your patience.

Hi Jamie, hope the search is going well. Just a couple of considerations when selecting your fixtures- remember that the direction and quality of light is very important for functionality and atmosphere. It is important to try to get some light on the cabinetry to expand the sense of space and create openness. If your husband does not want to see the exposed lamps you could also consider some diffused lighting fixtures. In this case you are depending on some directional recessed down-lights to sufficiently illuminate your work surface- so the diffused light creates a glow and warm atmosphere without creating a shadow cast elsewhere. One other consideration should be the colour temperature of the lamps (bulbs) themselves- stick with LED 2700K colour temperature whenever possible as this will give you balanced and consistent light quality with the rest of your home and will harmonize with natural daylight colour temperatures especially in the afternoon and evening. The following are some examples where we used multiple layers of light to ensure a consistent shadow free lighting plan- Recessed down-lights in concert with Pendant Lights, under cabinet lights, valence lights and 'In Cabinet' lights- hope this helps contextualize your lighting plans...

The SS appliances, cabinets, countertops and floors look nice. You have a very common color combination. A quick search of cherry cabinets with green counters shows many beautiful examples with different color backsplashes. Cream, deep green, dark gray, golden. Take screen shots of the kitchens that match your kitchen and sort them into the like and don’t really like. Then narrow down to which photos you love that match your kitchen and pick the same tile and other accessories. It’s not necessary to reinvent the wheel. Just copy what you can see is already beautiful. This is what I did and it works. My ideas for you: Change the backsplash. Although it matches the cabinets, it clashes with the counter. Replace the print drapes and window shade. Too busy. Go with a solid color. Try hanging some pillow cases or sheets in different colors to get a feel for what color works best.. I bought various $10 valences (only 1 not the entire set) from Penney’s to hang up and give me inspiration. Replace island pendants with downlight pendants. They are too glaring. Replace cabinet hardware. If you still want more change. Remove the white cloth from the round table. Just use a round placemat under the tray. Put something more stylish in the tray, a vase or other modern flower arrangement. Pet the adorable cat!