I got an Ektorp chair for free from someone who was getting rid of it. It is surprisingly comfortable. However their pug sat on the back cushion for several years and this created an unfixable dent. (My cats adopted this dent as their own.) Ikea does not sell replacement cushions. Despite this the chair is still comfortable and in good condition. If I really wanted to I could get new cushions made at a foam shop, because you can remove the slipcovers. In my view this is also handy for keeping the chair clean. Remove the slipcover from the dryer when still slightly damp and put it on immediately, this makes it easier and less wrinkled. I have no experience with the other sofa. However I have had several cheap pieces made of bi-cast leather (a chair from Fred Meyer, dining benches from World Market) and was severely disappointed in how fast the foam inside broke down with use. I mean, crazy fast! And on my furniture, there is no way to replace that foam. So the pieces became uncomfortable junk quickly. So check out the construction and consider that when making your decision. Believe it or not, the Ektorp may win in terms of durability. You might try googling for reviews of each sofa. I am confident you will find many bloggers who have reviewed the Ektorp - it is a very popular Ikea classic. If you are lucky you will find some reviews of the Cindy Crawford too. A few other thoughts: How does it work to have 4 people on a sofa that has two reclining sections? That seems a little tricky. My ex had an old reclining sofa that I absolutely hated - it had sharp things poking out with age and the metal frame was easily felt through the padding. It prevented us from snuggling because the frame was in the way. And it was ugly. And, it was kinda broken in the reclining department. I must say visually I prefer the Ektorp. And theres less stuff to break on it. Hope that helps....

Hello gregmills - yes floors are at same height. I'm thinking the t may be the way to go. It's a hall to bedroom so it may look ok if not flush. If we had been thinking, I'd have run the cork closer as the grout may have been the best option. I think it will look funny being as thick as it is.. Thanks

i'm sure the flooring guys could tape off the toe kicks, but sanding off the current color with those in place would be more difficult. I know your cabinet guy wants to finish, but is it really that much of a hassle for him that he can't come back after the floors are done to install them? would you be willing to pay him a little extra for his time if he does come back? I can understand his side of it. he's already there and wants to finish. to come back another day means extra hours and a trip he has to schedule. so, compensate him for it if that's the only issue. You can also ask your flooring guys if having the toe-kick in place is a big deal. they would know the answer to that better than us. Is the wood red oak, white oak? have you sampled any other stain colors?

I was on what felt like my death bed last week (ok a bit hyperbolic!) so caught up just now and the floor looks great! I like it a lot and think you made the right call. I like the idea of a painted island, creamy white would be nice but don't rule out color. As for the appliances not matching if you do a white island, that problem goes away with color for the island. You may need/want to replace your appliances sooner than later but I would not let the island bully me into that even if you go with a white. It might not be ideal but you can change the appliances at a later point.