For everyone that helped me figure out what to do, or was interested...here is the sofa, with the cushions. YAY! And yes, the hanging stained glass artwork (which was a separate thread) has been returned home. <laugh> Now, I will be working on some french chairs I have hanging around. ;)

Kayleigh - yes, refinishing them is going to take a while to do a good job that you're happy with for years. I'm a little concerned about the filled holes for the centered pulls, I've not tried filling holes and gel staining but from reading around wood working sites on the net, some fillers (even if they say they are stainable) do not stain to the same color as the surrounding wood. Do some research and ask when purchasing your products for the project so you can get the best, most blendable look possible. If you only want your cabs a shade or three darker (and the clear finish over the wood is in very good shape), I had good luck using gel stain as a toner of sorts, I applied it like a wax to a console table and tall bookcase, rubbed it on sections and then buffed it off with a clean cloth. Even though it is like a transparent paint, it also has staining properties, it stained the clear coat on my pieces just enough to tone down the orangey in one and darken up a too-light finish on the other. Just something else to add to your considerations.

I wrote a long response that included the marmoleum as flooring, etc. Houzz lost it. But whatever. I agree about putting the fridge where the pantry is. While you're waiting to close, see if you can find those cabinets....I think lots of us have them and it's possible big box stores do, too....then you can fill in the space where the fridge was with cabinets so you have a landing space for hot stuff...(they screw to the wall and each other, usually) That's all I would do. I like oak, but I'm in the minority. I think a plain white 4x4 tile for a backsplash would be appropriate to the home AND will work well with the cabinet (plus they're budget friendly and a backsplash is a great DIY project. I would change out the light thing above the sink with something more period-ish. You might want new knobs for the cabinets. As for saving for a remodel....it's a small kitchen and with a house built in the 40's, it probably has "stuff" that can't be moved. Not all of us have "magazine layout" kitchens, and they work. We can still cook. And we get to go on vacation with the money saved :) I see this kitchen as totally a DIY project, but ymmv, of course. Just the gas line and electric would need to be hired out (for the fridge) It's a lovely space and I'm excited for you!

I love the slabs you are looking at. Beth is great at this and has very good taste and knows her color schemes! I too like the tempest with the stone and cabinet choice but it has what you like best. Just because we all think it looks great does not mean you love it. Maybe you do need to look at more. Look at all of Beth's beautiful pictures. You want to be sure and you should LOVE your choice. I just went through this myself and this house we are building will most likely be my last (scary thought) so I understand where you are coming from. Get the stone that you jump at immediately and love. Maybe Beth and AJCN can fly out and come with you :)