I think you did a terrific job on your kitchen--great transformation, and you have all the elements I'd like to have in mine (rangetop, double ovens, island, backpack storage, etc...). It looks like you must have knocked down a wall and/or used available square-footage. Or, did you add on to the house? Please let me know, as I have a smallish kitchen, but like how you were able to expand your space and storage so nicely.

Cleo- the original stovetop fit in a bigger hole than the "new" one, so that piece of stainless was jammed in there to cover the hole. Needless to say, it did not stay very well! The tile backplash and counter were original to the home, built in the early 50's, and those switches on the wall were the controls! That is not grout- that was how the tile was glazed or painted or whatever. Heheheh, so many people used to comment on the "retro" decorating, and liked to play with the switches. raehelen- yes, I got a great deal on the granite. The slabs were discounted from 20/sf to 4.99/SF because there were irregular areas in them that limited the useful squarefootage, and they'd been sitting around for a while. There was a stack of reduced slabs, and I asked to see some of the ones hidden in the back of the stack, and low and behold, there were three slabs hidden back there that were gorgeous....... Even the granite guy said something about how that stack had not been touched for a while. I had even been to that granite yard twice before, and not thought to ask to look deep in that stack. I bought 2 slabs, for $464, and there was a bit of waste, but I still have enough left to make a bathroom vanity countertop! The fabrication was $2285. I was quoted between $1800-4500 by other fabricators. Oh, and the cabinets are santos and santa maria mahogany, no stain.

I'm sincerely so very happy for you and your family! its beautiful! I love all of it and imagine the space is serving your family very well now. What a fun place to live! i giggle at the thought of you touring folks around your new house and showing them the powder room as where your kitchen used to be--it wasn't much bigger! Most people who post a request for layout help don't expect to get a comment that recommends rearranging their whole main floor. I'm so glad you considered it. And you did it! The sight of your pictures made my heart flutter a bit. Your home is lovely and I had so much fun contributing to part of it and seeing the "afters." Thank you, DC!

Love, love, love your kitchen. What a beautiful space and functional, too! Being able to cook 8 pizzas with people in the kitchen with you and not having to ask anyone to move is remarkable and truly a testament to how well you designed the kitchen's workflow. I wish I'd have seen your idea of having the HVAC guy cut two panels of galvanized for inside your cupboard doors before I ordered a magnetic board for my command center. I have a feeling that people will be referring to your idea for a long time for their own uses. :)