I've seen reference many times that the symbol was around long before Hitler, attributed to Native Americans and earlier cultures. Here is an article and a follow up discussion about it. (Just an aside, there is an old government building that predates Hitler in my home county. It has floor tiles integrating this symbol. It's a well known area home to Native American tribes back in the day, so very much part of area history. A relative who survived Nazi Germany saw that floor and nearly had a fit (understandable), till I was able to explain. Here is a history of Lookout Mtn, Co. That one looks like a souvenir to me. That article says LM was a tourist attraction as early as 1890. Perhaps tying into the Native American symbolism? But it doesn't look quite that old (to me anyway). Perhaps the two were obtained together, souvenirs from a trip out West? Could or could not be pre-WWII/Hitler since the article linked above references Jackie Kennedy wearing this symbol for a Native American event, clearly long after Hitler.

Thanks for the feedback and ideas. The varnish idea is intriguing; I think I've seen similar applications and they end up looking very shiny and not a match for the paint. This is not so terrible, but would be a bit of a different look. Are there any varnish-type products which would have a more neutral finish? Also do you think I'd need to varnish the ceiling as well to protect from condensation, or only on the walls which would be receiving direct 'splashes'? We are leaning towards keeping the tub, and retrofitting it with a shower. The idea of a hand-held European-style shower is very appealing; we're wondering if maybe a ceiling-mounted curtain ring would be sufficient to prevent splashes if the shower hardware were somehow mounted inside the curtain, maybe from a bar mounted to the ceiling? We did something similar to a clawfoot tub in our previous house - link added to show what that may look like. It would be a tricky install since the curtain ring would probably need to be mounted at the same angle as the slope of the ceiling. We would probably just leave the current tub faucet set in place and add another faucet set that operates just the shower. There's not really an economical way to create space for a separate shower, changing the footprint of the room is off-the-table for us at this point. Here is a link that might be useful: clawfoot shower system

That's why I asked about column location...to see if they could be incorporated somehow. It's always best to work with the structural elements, making them part of the design, if they have to be there. I like how the colors are arranged in your inspiration photo... Mostly medium cabinets with light counters and light hood and hutch. (I think I might do the dish hutch light and leave the pantry the same as the cabinets or just a tad darker.) The island is a tough one. It is big, so if you make it light, it'd be a big focal point. If you leave it darker, the details of the island will make a more understated impact and let the hutch and hood stand out more. It's a matter of preference. I think I'd leave it darker, since it's size and out-front location already give it so much visual weight already. Although, the light counter on a light island is an elegant look that I really like, and it could set a nice tone for the room, too. Obviously, I could probably be convinced that either was the right decision!

Just purchased this snd I’m curious if anyone knows exactly what type of cabinet this is and what era it’s from..