What's funny is that I can't even remember the finishes that friends and family have in their kitchens and bathrooms. I don't think that people remember or notice that stuff, unless they're in the process of choosing their hardware/fixtures or they're the kind of people who notice those design details. I went through the same thing: Mix or match. Except for the bathroom doorknob, I went with all chrome (light fixture, faucets, shower curtain rod, etc.). I love chrome! The only thing that isn't chrome are the vanity knobs and pulls, as I chose to go with vintage-style glass that has a center part that is nickel (nickel is not that large, so not too noticeable). I do love the look of mixed finishes, too, but I felt I would be most happy with chrome. Whatever you choose, choose it because you love it for yourself, not to please the designing world. You have to live with it. So unless you are re-selling your home very soon so that you are designing to make it pleasing to buyers (and you can't please everyone's tastes), choose what makes you happy and enjoy! You can always change things later if you get tired of them. This post was edited by grass-cat on Thu, Jan 22, 15 at 9:48

I purchased the lights through AD Cola in Natick, MA. (website www.adcola.com). ; They ordered them and had them drop shipped directly to me at a bit of additional cost, but we were under the wire and needed them quickly. Hudson Valley Edison collection in old bronze (semi-flush mount)- Adjustable Monopoint Pendant by Hudson Valley. I did order different glass shades. The semi flush mount over sink is 18-OB-R08, the pendants are 9341-OB the glass shades are GS-00560-CR. From the wall the stove is on to the china hutch wall is 20ft from the kitchen sink wall to the basement stair wall is 12 1/2 feet. Did you click on the above photo's? It will take you to a link with all the different photo's of the kitchen. There is an outlet right across from the fridge. If I were to do it again I would put a second one under the table on the other side. (laptop use) Still LOVE my kitchen - :-) Thanks CJC

It depends on where you live and what the style of the house is too. In the Northeast, shiny brass has been the finish "in style" for most of 200 years (at least it started shiny:) If you live in the south west, darker finishes have long been popular. Personally, I think ORB is here to stay because now that a lot of people have it, they are not going to change all 2 dozen doorknobs in their house if it is no longer the trend. It may not be the most popular finish at a given moment, but it will stay as an option. Most houses retain the door hardware they were built with. I know this isn't an answer, but just some things to think about. How does Shiny or Antique brass, brushed nickel, or chrome go with the style of your house and what you have in it?

Hi Everyone and thank you so much!! When I get back from an errand I'll address your individual responses! I love the ideas you've shared (e.g. simple shaker - and to make the trim width match those of the uppers')! For now though, I feel the need to clarify: I realize that because I bombarded you w/ so many questions, it appears I'm freaking out or too indecisive...but if I'd asked only one question, then waited a while then asked another and so on, you'd probably think I was fine - haha! ;) Meanwhile - with the exception of the cabinetry issues - there is NO real rush on most of this. Yes we don't have a counter/sink but he was going to re-use the old, non-original doors until yesterday when I decided I'm willing to pay more to have them be flush-mounted like the upper ones. He'll figure out the final dimensions e.g. degree of angle of bump-out on Tuesday, and everything else necessary is already waiting to go besides the counter which can be ordered on Tuesday - and will take a week. So anyway, I'm actually not anxiety-ridden, just excited. And I ask you people not because I can't figure it out (I have ideas and lots of magazines) but because I've found more GREAT and unexpected advice on this forum than anywhere else. Everyone here is very experienced (at least in their research after having seen so much!), and focused here, and sometimes it's more fun and easier to give others advice, you know? I know I love to! I disagree that the options are all over the place by the way. I don't think one decision leads to another and can throw things off because most of the kitchen's original already and I'm making this a relatively period kitchen and there are only so many choices, most of which won't clash with others. E.g. a schoolhouse or other period light will go w/ wood floors of any color, will go with cafe curtains or pull-down shades, will go w/ the original cabinets. I just want to know if you have specific favorites or a quick "vision pop" like "flush light in center and pendant at window" or "...with bright-colored shades" or "angle the bump-out instead of square" or "don't put a microwave there." If I just *HAVE* to narrow down my questions ;) the most necessary ones are w/ regard to the lower cabinets (how not to compete w/ the uppers and still have something appropriate) and then the general idea of what the bump-out should look like (angled or straight edges, with or without those decorative side pillars)...maybe whether I should add feet? I feel like the cut-off upper cabinet above the stove will just work itself out by default but advice would still be nice. The rest are all just fun details that can be added at the end and are simply fun to get advice on. Wow - I sure know how to rant & ramble! Off I go...will get back to you soon, thanks again!