I have two different stools, one sort at the high nook table and another that swivels at peninsula. http://s1004.photobucket.com/albums/af170/jterrilynn/kitchen%20progress%20pictures/?action=view&current=morekitchen001.jpg" target="_blank"> http://s1004.photobucket.com/albums/af170/jterrilynn/kitchen%20progress%20pictures/?action=view&current=finished022.jpg" target="_blank">

Thanks for all the info. Sorry I wasn't clear mercymygft, 22" to the top of the frame. Wish I had your sales rep sas9! The salesperson I normally deal with was going on vacation and he told me I could place the order with anyone because they were not on commission. I didn't like the salesperson I was dealing with but did not want to be rude, so I placed the order with her. I probably would have gotten better info from my regular guy. I called the manufacturer and they told me I could have had the stools made anywhere from 24-30 inches. Sigh. They cannot be returned angela12345 because they were a custom order. On a positive note, I have been a regular customer of the furniture store for many years. They have taken the stools back and are looking to see if they can add some inches under the seat. If they can't maybe you can give me some pointers on eating at chest level:)

You need to do some homework. Every material has it's pros and cons, and it all comes down to what you are willing to live with. "Best" is completely subjective. Frankly, if my DH had not felt so strongly about our using a "higher end" counter top (we ended up with engineered quartz) I would have done a laminate. They are durable, warm, soft, and very inexpensive. Completely low-maintenance if you are not careless about using them. Our quartz will be fine, and looks fantastic, but we spent nearly three times what we could have spent on a high-end laminate. IKEA has some DIY laminate for incredibly little cost if you are willing to put in the effort and will buy you plenty of time to do some research on your countertop options. Here is a link that might be useful: IKEA wood and laminate countertops

for the handles, may I suggest something to pick up on the hues in the flooring? A little more copper toned. you have light cabs, light floors. I think throwing in a dark ORB w/o actual copper highlights would be too much of a contrast. IMO. cypress park Sandra, I like the porcelain one better than the other one. Does the backsplash have to be done immediately? If the tones in the porcelain tile you picked clash w/the ivory tones in the counter, it could be a problem. However, I did find some copper toned ones that should be avail. these are porcelain/SS, and treated so as not to stain or tarnish. I LOVE these for your kitchen. timeless and gorgeous. They are probably not super cheap, but it would be worth it for me. http://www.miusartmosaics.com/arabesque-lantern-beacon-copper-tile-in these would also work. the site is here: maybe they have them in stock.http://www.westsidetile.com/arabesque-tiles/ i like this one too. notice the copper faucet. beautiful w/the glass mosaic. if you got the cream countertop, this would look amazing w/your floors. this last one is a copper colored slate/quartzite.