I'm embarrassed to admit that when we installed our slate in 2004, I sealed it with the generic tile sealer that Home Depot sold in the yellow gallon jugs. It doesn't shine and seemed to be ineffective until I put on the second coat. Then I could see it was sealing as the second coat didn't soak in as readily as the first. I don't see it in their current lineup. Also embarassing is how rarely we scrub the floor. Between the dog, a really messy bird and me using one room for bike maintenance, it has held up remarkably well. I will need to scrub and reseal it soon and will probably use one of these products: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Custom-Building-Products-Aqua-Mix-Sealer-s-Choice-Gold-1-Gal-AMSC1/202907684#.UnFJCnA_uzM http://www.homedepot.com/p/Miracle-Sealants-32-oz-511-Impregnator-Penetrating-Sealer-511-QT-H/100076375#customer_reviews

I immediately thought marble or poured concrete when I read your description. The mixture of light and dark would look stunning. Google " walnut and marble kitchen pictures" and you'll see examples.

HMK recommends S31 and S34 for kitchens.

Les, you have some great points. I really appreciate your time thinking this through. We have poured over this layout for the past three years, and short of doing a complete remodel, this seems to be the best layout for us. My first plan was to leave the refrigerator as is and put the dishwasher in the nook. But, the kitchen is sorely lacking in counter space which is much more important to us than a dishwasher. To get more counter space, we need to move the refrigerator. So our options were to put the dishwasher next to the stove or not have one at all. We thought about putting it next to the sink, but the cabinet is not deep enough. I can't recess it into the exterior wall without reframing it. To do that, I would have to tear up the counter for access. The open dishwasher won't be very far from the sink. We'll just have to dry the floor each time we use it. This solution won't work for everyone, but we're ok with it. I'm also planning to get an ADA height dishwasher. That way, I'll have space for a pullout cutting board above it. More counter space by the stove. I will move the stove a few inches from the wall. I want to leave it in the corner because the ceiling has a built-in vent above it - also original to the house. It is a passive vent, but it works pretty well. We have a pantry in the breakfast room next to the kitchen. It's right by the current refrigerator corner, so it is convenient enough. That is an ironing board with Big Boy behind the refrigerator. We will use the top portion to house oils and spices. The bottom will be hidden by the new cabinets or cart. The kitchen is small, but we have built-ins and a pantry cabinet in the breakfast room. The end result is we have a good amount of storage space. I even have a large empty drawer in the breakfast room! Lisa