I have a funny story about French Provincial. I had a dealer friend send two high powered buyers to an antique furniture store I used operate. The couple bought quite a lot of expensive furniture from me. I stopped by the dealerÂs store to offer him five hundred cash as a token of my appreciation. The dealer refused the money so I simply picked out what I thought was a nice piece of 50's 60's FP for $500.00. It was a nice half moon server with a marble top but not worth anywhere near that much money. I decided to strip it to get rid of the off-white paint. I figured I could stain or whitewash what ever wood was underneath. Underneath the paint I discovered a fabulous inlaid scene of a guy playing a violin for his girl.. It had in fact been a much older French piece that someone had tried at some time to update to F.P. There's no luck like dumb luck. IÂve found many pleasant surprises under paint. This table unfortunately does not look like itÂs worth stripping unless you simply enjoy doing that kind of thing. ItÂs a great feeling you get from restoring an old quality piece and turning it back into something useable.

Mandy, if you don't start by learning what is really right for you among all the many looks you like (me too) you may well end up disappointed. My most heartfelt advice is to go to the library, browse the old magazines, and make copies of what you like. Browse the magazines and books in book stores, but only buy something if a picture really pings or has a lot of ideas that get you thinking. Go to antique malls where some of the venders offer used decorating magazines and buy those with pictures you like. A range of at least several years is good since it frees you up a bit from whatever looks are being marketed for sale at this particular time. Lay the pictures all out and look for patterns. This is how I learned I liked rooms with lots of color IF they had little light-dark variation. It's also how I learned that I do like like-dark contrast IF it starts with most of the dark down low (like a dark floor), progresses up to dark accents in a light midplane (white sofa, yeah right), and ends with all light at the top. That I like ANY room, no matter what it looks like, if it has lots of books. Who knew? Not me until I educated myself a bit about myself. I've learned a whole lot that's benefited me from this forum, but I never ever asked others what they like since I knew it would be irrelevant and distracting.

The window by the fridge is too big right now but we will be making it smaller so it doesn't interfere with the fridge. Porcelain is a manufactured countertop which is very strong and low maintenance. It is also thin, unlike granite/quartz which is a look I like. The one I like looks a bit like marble but I understand you can get many different looks. It is more expensive than granite. herbflavor - I've looked for inspiration photos but really haven't found anything for a small kitchen that doesn't have an island - other than stillpitpat's photos above. That works. I should say that I have white appliances.

Need measurements of the space, but before you buy anything, remove the round rug and turn the table. The space is more generous than yours, but this picture shows what I mean.