Vjrnts - This picture is pre-fire. And yes, I was heartsick. I'm trying not to be now, but at 80+ years old, I guess it is time to build a new one. I should let you know that the exterior is still standing and perfectly intact. It's just there is so much structural damage inside that this wall will have to come down. I know it will never look like the original, but we're attempting to infuse the new one with age. The history is this: it was one of the first homes up in the Lookout Mtn Park section of Laurel Canyon. It was built to replicate the Frankenstein castle in the original black and white move. The black and white Snow White and the Seven Dwarves was partially shot in the caves in the back yard. I bought it from the original owner's son, and we intend it pass the property onto our son as well. It's really kind of funky by today's building standards. But it was much loved and has been lived in by a number of stellar talents. Here's a pic of the living room:

What a wonderful, wonderful kitchen. When we were first married, we had little curved shelves like you have on either side of our window over the sink. I loved those, and seeing yours make me wistful to have them again. The view out your dining nook looks a-mazing. What a great little spot to sit and relax over something yummy. I would sit there all the time, it looks so cheerful and cozy. : ) It's great that you were able to retain the original cabinets and hardware and invest in your appliances. If there are spots on your range tomorrow morning, I'm sorry. I drooled on it. Enjoy your new-old kitchen! : )

IMO cherry and knotty pine do not belong in the same space I love the 2 toned piece but of course that is not knotty pine just pine.

@chispa, The system our exterior guy uses mixes the color into the stucco, which we are happy about . We've owned several stucco homes and have experienced it being done both ways. With any luck the limestone will arrive prior to needing the color selection of the stucco. I plan to paint large swatches of several colors we narrow it down to. I am hoping to get some feedback on color suggestions to help guide me.