Jeanne-I really enjoyed the party, the month of May just flew by. I will definitely remember this for the rest of my life, my great grand kids will hear this story I'm sure. Promise-Happy Birthday if I forget closer to the actual date. Our group is much richer for you having joined the group. So many winners in this swap month, congratulations to all. And Annie you made it all possible, thank you again. I have the month of June so will work on it tomorrow and post it when I get home from work. Shirley

The wood will wear better than paint. For now, and for a future rental. There are several things to change about the space, but the cabinets aren’t one of them. Not everything is a nail that needs only a hammer as a solution. There are other tools in the toolbox. Every home and client requires an individual response. It’s not the same solution every time. Which is why wood is surging strongly as a decorative choice. People inevitably became bored with the one note One True Kitchen, that thou shall have no other kitchens before it. https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2698630/what-is-the-one-true-kitchen-i-want-photo-examples-please Quoting Marcolo from that thread, who is solely missed. The whole thread deserves to be enshrined, but this should be embroidered as the forum banner. And the One True Kitchen spoke to her, making her heart sing: I. I am the One True Kitchen, who brought thee out of the land of cheap builder's grade oak and shiny brass. Thou shalt not install any strange kitchens before Me; nor paint thy walls a non-neutral color; nor make for thyself any likeness of the Sopranos' kitchen, or early '90s Tuscan. Nor shalt thou apply any graven appliques upon thy Shaker cabinets. Thou shalt not prefer other kitchen styles, for I, the One True Kitchen, am a jealous Kitchen, visiting iniquity on them that hate Me. II. Thou shalt not take any countertop unless it came with veins. III. Remember the annual Crown Point holiday sale; eleven months shalt thou pay full retail; but on the twelfth month thou shalt negotiate, when it shall be surprisingly affordable. IV. Honor thy subway tile and thy farmhouse sink, that thou shall not tire of thy kitchen for many days. V. Thou shalt not spill, especially wine or lemon juice unless thou buyest soapstone. VI. Thou shalt not commit to any slab unless thou hast tested it first with ketchup. VII. Thou shalt steal everything from Christopher Peacock's website that isn't tied down and copy it exactly. VIII. Thou shalt not bear to go without a false door unless it is up against a neighboring cabinet. IX. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's colorful countertop; or her colorful backsplash; or her colorful paint; or her stained cabinets; or her dreadful four-inch strip of granite before the tile starts, what was she thinking. X. Thou shalt not covet anything that is thy neighbor's, for it is not timeless and classic and she has no taste.

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!

I would live in the house for six months to a year before you spend any money on the kitchen. During that time make notes of the things you like and ideas for change. It would be a waste of money to change out the backsplash, then decide you want to change the range hood or the counters. Get your idea book crammed with pictures and then look at them for the theme that attracted you to them. Years ago I had lots of pictures marked in all my magazines (remember magazines?). When I looked at the collection, I realized the common theme was blue. That told me the direction to take in my new house. Your kitchen is beautiful and functional for now. Walk around with your cup of coffee early in the morning to discover what you like about it. Sip your glass of wine in the evening while you contemplate the changes that will bring you the most happiness for the money.