This has been a huge problem for me as well. I can't take the advice to just "use what's here" - our urban property, when we bought it, is cemented over. Short of breaking up the cement, we have to buy soil for our beds. This is what I did this year - I purchased a mix from a landscape supply company that sells in bulk. It was supposedly an ideal mix for raised beds - compost, peat moss, and the ubiquitous pine bark, which I figured was ok (and a friend at a garden center recommended it as an amendment anyway so I figured it was ok). It sounded close to Mel's mix, with pine bark instead of vermiculite. The results have been disastrous! Nothing is growing. Trying to navigate all the bad advise and false advertising with limited experience has been demoralizing. If I go to Home Depot and look at the soil available in bags, it is almost all Scott's or Miracle Grow fertilized mixes. I don't know a whole lot about soil but I would like to build healthy, living soil that can support beneficial organisms. Organic soil at the garden center is $18.00 for a two cubic foot bag. We have decided to dump out one of the beds and try to salvage some tomato plants this year. The alternative is to watch everything die. I hate the idea of buying Miracle Gro soil mixes, but I am in the city and I don't see a lot of alternatives. Bulk soil didn't work out, garden center stuff is WAY too expensive, and Home Depot only wants to sell me better living through chemistry. Is there some sort of conspiracy against home vegetable gardeners? It feels like it.

I just got an email from Steve's Incredible Rugs for their Labor Day sale with another 7% off TODAY ONLY using this code - RLD7BZ. They're a legit site and I have shopped there. Labor Day Sale Now In Progress! Savings up to 75% Off Plus, extra 7% with code: RLD7BZ Monday Only. https://incrediblerugsanddecor.com/collections/rugs?utm_source=Email+Promotions&utm_campaign=9f7c7aeb5b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_09_03_02_14&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bc1bfd8df9-9f7c7aeb5b-125696661&goal=0_bc1bfd8df9-9f7c7aeb5b-125696661&mc_cid=9f7c7aeb5b&mc_eid=c92e10fef5

Thanks for all the input and design ideas. I am almost sure on the dining chairs from west elm. https://www.westelm.com/products/finley-high-back-dining-chair-h2914/?pkey=ccontract-grade-furniture%7Ccontract-grade-dining-furniture&isx=0.0.2975 I will be going again in morning to checkout the upholstery colors and try them out to make sure they are comfortable. No kids in the house, only adults, so not worried about food on the carpet. I will rethink this rug placement. I also like the idea of plating some evergreens in front of the fence, so i have a nicer view out those windows. I will update everyone tomorrow once i come back from west elm with the final dining chair decision. This table is 108 inches long. I think 8 chairs should look perfect with it. 10 might be pushing it?

I wrote a long response that included the marmoleum as flooring, etc. Houzz lost it. But whatever. I agree about putting the fridge where the pantry is. While you're waiting to close, see if you can find those cabinets....I think lots of us have them and it's possible big box stores do, too....then you can fill in the space where the fridge was with cabinets so you have a landing space for hot stuff...(they screw to the wall and each other, usually) That's all I would do. I like oak, but I'm in the minority. I think a plain white 4x4 tile for a backsplash would be appropriate to the home AND will work well with the cabinet (plus they're budget friendly and a backsplash is a great DIY project. I would change out the light thing above the sink with something more period-ish. You might want new knobs for the cabinets. As for saving for a remodel....it's a small kitchen and with a house built in the 40's, it probably has "stuff" that can't be moved. Not all of us have "magazine layout" kitchens, and they work. We can still cook. And we get to go on vacation with the money saved :) I see this kitchen as totally a DIY project, but ymmv, of course. Just the gas line and electric would need to be hired out (for the fridge) It's a lovely space and I'm excited for you!