I hesitate to say this, but guess I'll ask anyway... Why didn't you have the expansion joints (lines) put in at the time the patio was poured? We've had 3 patios poured, and that's when it was done each time. That way the joints are smooth, and it's soooo much easier than adding them afterward. I'm amazed your concrete contractor didn't ask or mention this. They're added not just to break up the visual expanse, but also because they help you to not get cracks in the patio. However...you are dealing with what you have now, so moving forward from this point. I think you might consider cutting a border around the perimeter of the patio--maybe 6"--just to kind of finish the edge off if they can cut in a curve anyway. Then have your lines for your squares in from that. Did you try 45 degree lines out from the house so that there would be more symmetry where it meets the house? The patio shape you have is really lovely. I think your diagonal squares will add nice interest. We did a dark rust stain on the edge trim of ours and a charcoal/rust mix for the interior squares of our patio and have been happy with that combo, but after 3 years, it needs a touch-up in places. Ours was a DIY stain, so a professional job might be last longer. Good luck on your project!

Again, thanks a lot to everyone for sharing your thoughts. Below layout is what we settled on. I know it's by no means the best design, but it will be functional, and it required compromises from all parties involved (yes, that includes the cats too). The wall cabs are bumped out 2 inches. With the cover panel covering the doors and slight over hang, the cats will have a 15" deep platform. The counter top in front of the wall cabs will be about 11" deep, which is what my DH wanted ("to set things down on"). Good night and happy 4th everyone!

Turquoise and grey is a classic, as is pink and grey. If you choose a green, it should be a clear green, not one greyed down, as you're already working with gray. Something like a pale lime. Tans and greys can work together to look really sophisticated, especially with some ivory worked in, but it's a difficult look to pull off well without some experience or pro help. But, especially since you used "beachy" to describe your desired look, you could use a mix of light and dark turquoise, along with the white and the grey of your cabinets to have a fresh clean beachy vibe. Put in some of the clear green for a secondary accent and all you need is a umbrella drink.

hi OB2B, so nice to meet you today? did you enjoy the tour? I had a chance to see a few of the houses this afternoon. It was a great day. steph2000, thanks so much! i think you are right re: the semi-flush. right now I am going to take a breather until the hood is ready. I pushed really hard to get this done for the tour today -- there were so many people here this week. will be nice to take a little break. deedles, I purchased the wolf 20" riser with shelf for behind the range. it isn't up yet. the guys were having trouble sliding the range out. the riser has to attach to the back of the range (i would have assumed it could just attach to the wall) and so the range has to slide out. The marble countertops are very tight to the range with really no gap at all so it was difficult for them and they were rushing so much to get so many things done that I suggested we address it later when they can slow down a little (I was a little afraid of them damaging the doors on my range ... they were pullling on them trying to slide it out and that was definitely not okay with me!).