I'm not great on design archaeology, but if if you - for example - were to see American Craftsman in today's kitchens, then chronologically the next era is the 1930s and 1940s. Deco makes a reappearance now and then. It was big in the '80s, although mostly in the form of ugly pink and black ceramic statues of pumas and skinny naked women. Very intentionally kitschy. I went to an astonishing Art Deco exhibit at the MFA a few years ago (bought the book, got the CD) that included some of the originally pieces from the 1925 Paris exhibition. The "real thing" is flat-out stunning and still quite modern today. I'm putting a lot of Deco touches in my house here and there. My TV sits on my mom's hope chest from the '30s, with great Deco trim. I just ordered a couple of reproduction 1930s metal tables. Over my couch, I've got a cool book plate of a French flapper beaning her boyfriend over the head with her umbrella in a park. I will say, though, that my efforts to do a real vintage bathroom made me rethink my commitment a bit. I've got a repro vintage toilet (not one that someone would recognize as weird, t hough); old fashioned flat mini subways; that typical Art Deco double-line of contrasting-color tile; etc. But I find that going vintage can be a real uphill battle. Every single contractor, salesperson, designer, whoever you deal with, will be fighting you ever step of the way. That means, rather than helping you achieve your vision, they'll keep raising unexpected new objections and yammer in your ear until you back down. Plus, sourcing just isn't very easy. You have to have a fair amount of time, money or both to go vintage. If you're in a hurry on a budget, it's a lot harder. That is why so many renovations are so clearly time-stamped. The easiest thing to do is always what everyone else is doing, too.

Thanks everyone for all your advice. I have been looking at Houzz and saving ideas. Our house is 1940 California Bungalow. We have lots of white trim around white doors and white wood windows. Original windows and oak floor. DH and I talked and we agreed on several ideas. Turns out, I do have a preference for style. I've always loved this kitchen from Crown Point http://www.crown-point.com/gallery/Collection%201/Gallery%206/index.html#6-02.jpg I saved it about 8 years ago when first thought about redoing the kitchen. I still love it. I like the white cabinets and wood island. LOVE the costa esmeralda but that is out due to cost. I do like white cabinets and wood, DH wants some wood as he doesn't like all white kitchens, but agrees all wood could make the kitchen darker. We could do white counter tops (love marble) on wood cabinets, but I don't want to deal with stains or etches. I need counter tops that are easy care We also like soapstone, but prefer the dark look and I know I won't be oiling it and the patina/scratches would probably drive me crazy. We do like the Via Laceta granite as a soapstone alternative (thanks!). DH doesn't like polished granite, so would look at honed or leathered finish. So we're thinking white perimeter cabinets (simple lines, maybe shaker, not sure on color of the white), wood island (not sure type of wood or stain), Via Laceta honed or leathered. Looking at IKEA today, DH like the uppers with glass shelves and frosted glass, so you don't see what is in the cabinets. He does not want mullions. We're hoping our hardwood floor goes into kitchen under the marmoleum, so it can be refinished. We plan to open the kitchen up the family room (currently carpeted) and want wood throughout. DH wants a 2 bowl sink (like we currently have), I want one bowl to be bigger, which is the current set up. We're hoping to have an island and if decide on a prep sink, then I want one big clean up sink - sinks to be stainless, undermount and probably Ticor. DH liked the pull down facets we saw at IKEA, so we can look for one like that. I think the island will be the focus if it works with out layout. We will want some color in there, not sure where or how, but there's lots more decisions to make. Some kitchens we like on Houzz are [https://www.houzz.com/photos/warmington-north-traditional-kitchen-seattle-phvw-vp~98745[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/warmington-north-traditional-kitchen-seattle-phvw-vp~98745) [https://www.houzz.com/photos/laurelhurst-kitchen-traditional-kitchen-seattle-phvw-vp~242080[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/laurelhurst-kitchen-traditional-kitchen-seattle-phvw-vp~242080) [https://www.houzz.com/photos/life-love-and-food-traditional-kitchen-boston-phvw-vp~2361248[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/life-love-and-food-traditional-kitchen-boston-phvw-vp~2361248) We're going to explore IKEA base cabinets as I want all drawers and I want the blum hardware and drawer boxes. We will talk to Scherrs about doing the doors, trim, all large panels etc and using their RTA line for some cabinets if we need it. I know it won't be the same as custom or semi-custom cabinets that I've been saving on Houzz, and I will compare costs with other cabinet lines/makers. This will be part of a larger renovation, so costs will have to be kept in check. While I like the furniture look of some cabinets, I know the turned feet etc will be a pain when I'm vacuuming up the dog and cat hair dust bunnies. I need to get a copy of existing floor plan up and the ideas we have for changing things. I've been playing with layouts on homestyler.com but my measurements aren't right. I need to remeasure and draw it on graph paper. I wouldn't dream of ordering cabinets before posting the layout for advice. We do plan to talk to some designers as trying to improve floor plan and flow throughout the house, so we need guidance on how best to make that all work together. DH's uncle is an architect and his wife is an interior designer and now a real estate agent. They live out of state, but have agreed to look over things and give advice. So excited...we're making some decisions. Though I know there's millions more decisions to make! Crl - yes, I'm on Baby Bargains. I know there's a few of us from there that are here too.

Research The Shakers”, a religious group that came to America about the time of the American Revolution. They believed that simple designs pleased God. Form followed function, a thought later associated with modern design. “‘‘Tis a gift to be simple...” is not only one of their songs, but their philosophy. Yes, one might tire of poorly done, out of proportion doors, but this style is not new and trendy. It is timeless. Are there other style you might prefer? Of course. Go to a custom cabinet maker and discuss your wants and needs.

Thank you all so much for indulging my brainstorm!! I think what is bothering me most is I dont have a clear vision, but we know exactly what we need to do with the rest of the house. Under the ceiling fan is where the kitchen table goes and then the room wraps around to the family room. The entire wall on the other side is all glass sliding doors and it gets full sun all day long. My husband actually loves the fan because the sun can make the room quite hot especially while cooking. there is lighting under the cabinets for sure and it does look nice and bright when all the lights are on, but I do love the pendant lights over the island idea. its definitely a few years away before we do Anything but I LOVE that soft green @Maureen posted. I actually think that might be perfect for the island. Love the idea of losing those cabinets beside the stovetop - I hate them because they just scrape along the counter. Putting one big hood fan is a perfect idea @designinteriorsouth. If I were Doing it today I would be inclined to paint the perimeter cabs white and then change the backsplash To a lighter colour.