Thanks for the kind words! Also for being supporters of the black lines/patina :) We are really trying to rehab rather than replace (reduce/reuse/recycle!) in this kitchen, and I am embracing the well-loved look. detroit_burb: I think it is maple, and I agree that it certainly will outlive me! We are definitely keeping the cabinets, but will likely paint, as their color clashes with the counters (the cabs are sort of peachy/rose which just looks odd with the counters). mermanmike and shanghaimom: Good idea! Others have suggested a bright blue (in person, the blue in the tile is pretty bright), but I like navy better, at least on the island. That Hale Navy is gorgeous!!! (I think I'll do the perimeter cabinets in a lighter cream/off-white color.) I have also considered lighter blue-gray or greenish gray for the cabs. My contractor wants me to look into colored stain (like a navy stain) so the grain will show through, but I think -- and others have pointed out -- that there is already a LOT of texture in this kitchen, so losing the wood grain might not be a bad thing.

Quick update... I ended up ordering a spoon and fork from Target.com. Here's a pic of it installed on the back wall. Also finished up installing my DIY under cabinet lighting... these lights are bright!!!! So glad I used a dimmer switch...this is the dimming level I tend to keep it at. Also forgot to mention that one of the pantries is a broom closet. After living in my new kitchen for almost of month now, I feel like I got everything right and did the best I could with the space I have. Trash cabinet, baking tray cabinet, broom closet, sink drop down tray, spice rack, plus all of the additional cabinet space makes me one happy camper. :) My only regret is not putting in pull outs for my pots/pans and lids. It's a bit of a pain having to bend down and look back into the cabinet to find what I'm looking for. Maybe at a later time... since it's still possible. Another thing I'm finding an issue with is our fridge. We bought a counter depth so we could have additional room, but it's been tough living with the limited space. Luckily, we still have our old fridge, so we're thinking of keeping it now to store larger items.

doraville>>>Are you liking the floor? It looks great. Where did you get it? I've been considering strand woven bamboo.The flooring is Teragren Synergy Strand bamboo, color Java. It is hard as a rock and dense, and also not too thick (1/2"). It looks great and works great. More details here: http://www.teragren.com/products_flooring_synergy.html We bought it, where else, in Dalton Georgia. Actually Calhoun, near Dalton, at True Hardwoods (http://www.truehardwoods.com/home.html). They had the best price by far - all I had to do was go up there and pick it up in the van.

hey lauribet - thank you! Yes, I think they go equally well with warm and cool tones. I'd describe Semonia as a a warmer grey. We have a lot of wood trim throughout our house (woohoo 70s decor haha). I wanted something modern but wouldn't look weird with all the wood, and think Semonia works really well. We love these floors -- have had them for 1.5 years now and they look good as new, even with our toddler smashing pots and pans on them. Good luck with your remodel! how fun!