Proudmama: Yes, that's exactly what I'm looking for in a light maple. Puppy farms? Egads, just another category of purchases to feel guilty about.... I can't buy anything from China without a twinge of guilt either.... Ellen: Thanks for the insight into Amish business practices. I'm glad they've found a way to survive and still hold their belief system together. I admire those people for their lifestyle and discipline. Thanks again for all of the replies!

My cabinets were really white, but they were not a shiny laminate white. The cabinets had a baked on finish and were high end Haas, with a flat finish that was guaranteed not to yellow. The granite - Tropical Brown - has flecks of black, brown, white and gold which helped pull the colors together. The hardwood floors were supposed to be darker and more a brown tone, but that didn't happen. However, that picture was taken early-on, and the floors did darken to a nice patina. colorcrazy hit the nail on the head. I think if the ceiling in your first photo had white moulding, the cabinet would looked "married" to something instead of just being stuck on the wall. I love the kitchen in your second inspirational photo.

hi OB2B, so nice to meet you today? did you enjoy the tour? I had a chance to see a few of the houses this afternoon. It was a great day. steph2000, thanks so much! i think you are right re: the semi-flush. right now I am going to take a breather until the hood is ready. I pushed really hard to get this done for the tour today -- there were so many people here this week. will be nice to take a little break. deedles, I purchased the wolf 20" riser with shelf for behind the range. it isn't up yet. the guys were having trouble sliding the range out. the riser has to attach to the back of the range (i would have assumed it could just attach to the wall) and so the range has to slide out. The marble countertops are very tight to the range with really no gap at all so it was difficult for them and they were rushing so much to get so many things done that I suggested we address it later when they can slow down a little (I was a little afraid of them damaging the doors on my range ... they were pullling on them trying to slide it out and that was definitely not okay with me!).

I wanted to use Revere Pewter too -- based on photos I'd seen, but it didn't work for me. My local store stopped carrying BM paints, so I went to Sherwin WIlliams. We wound up with Agreeable Grey tinted a little darker at 150%. Accesible Beige was another color we looked at -- along with Anew Grey. I'd check those out. Next to the TV, I agree with moving the lamp to the other side of the room. I would put art on the wall, but before deciding on size or arrangement, I would look at a side chair there -- that could be pulled up for additional seating. Try one of your dining shairs there for feel and see if the idea works. You could have a small side table -- even a garden stool that could double as another seat if you entertain, and then fill in wall decoration. ETA I see graywings had the same idea was I was typing (and being distracted).