shanghaimom - that's too bad about the racks. I've wondered about that since the oven is a little smaller. I've gone back and forth between the 36" and the 48", not sure if I would need a 2nd oven. I'm lucky that the bargain I found was on the 48, so your input really helps push me to that 48". Meowzer - thanks for those pictures. I love the look of the black ranges with the black hoods!

Thanks very much for these ideas. I'm still wondering about something in the off-white/OC range. I have read a million posts and Pins on whites...what I'm stuck on is how they will look in eastern light that is very, very green through the tree canopy. I know from experience now that grey undertones turn to a not-so-pleasant mushroomy color when washed with green light. Beyond those airy photos, I'm imagining something geometric and angular (greek key, or diamonds) on the floor -- could be charcoal and white/cream, or a sisal. One large photo of something architectural (a plant, a bridge) on the wall opposite the gallery wall, over my desk, and a small mirror in a chunky frame on the modern louvered credenza. Love to find a deco-ish light fixture. Any suggestions for a white that would highlight an overall look like that?

@earthlyepicure, I used an over mount stainless steel sink, because I knew I'd probably ding the soapstone up. My kitchen is a bit on the rustic side, so a few dings don't matter to me, but I would matter if I dinged it up with an undermount sink. My kitchen is now about 12 years old. I still love it. There are scratches and a few dings. If this is an issue for you, why don't you try honed black granite. I used soapstone so I could do the counters myself, to save some money. I have also done a sink and counters for the bathroom and and office. The bathroom and office is in remnent pieces that I paid $5/sqft or got for free. It is a softer stone then the kitchen and scratches easily. To deal with that, I have it sanded to a very rough surface at about 60 to 80 grit. No oil and it is beautiful. Picture of counter in the somewhat harder (but still soft) soapstone in the kitchen. fairly smooth sanded at around 120 grit IIFC. This stone I ordered online. It has a very hard section that is at the sink. The softer portion is at the counter I've pictured. the bright white spots are dings. enlarge the picture and you might see them and scratches : Much softer stone in the bathroom and sanded to a 60 or 80 grit IIRC. this is what I built out of remnents in 2012. No oil added. You can see the seam where I glued the backsplash to the sink: Here is a close up of the corner of the counter at the sink front. It should sand out If I took the time to finish these surfaces again. But I don't bother: The other counter in the bathroom that is 2 glued pieces along the long side, that you can't see. The dark corner is from hands resting on that edge to work with the tub. Its been years and I am still loving this bathroom!!! ETA: I got my kitchen inspiration years ago when a restaurant opened in a town near me in 2001. they still have their cherry walls, tables, cabinets, and the soapstone counters at all the counter surfaces and bar.

Like you, I'd replace the stand for a bigger one (and probably lower too) I'd look into changing the ceiling light (there are some very cool ones, flush mounts, semi flush mounts..I wouldn't pass this opportunity to express my love for lights)) and adding couple more layers of lighting-a floor lamp? a table lamp? for you to have the ligth according to tasks/mood needed. Maybe there are more lights, I can't see them on the pics. I'd add a coffee table (or something that functions like it)-because it's simply more comfortable when one's lounging..you have space to put there a cup, a tray, a book, glasses.. I didn't have coffee table until 10 years ago..I never realized what I'm missing. Now when I have it I must admit it is more comfortable to have one. You can choose not to add side tables, or add only one, as not to overwhelm the balance that you strive to create. Empty doesn't bother me, it's a personal choice and I like negative space. Yet whatever contributes to function and comfort -maybe worth looking into, because that what will ultimately make a room working as you want it to work. Can't say anything about art-art is very personal. You love something else-go for it. It shapes to be a nice room