We are paying cash for our new kitchen and we started by paying the deposits (half of estimate) to the countertop guy (had to pick my marble slab) and the cabinet guy. I have spent HOURS and DAYS figuring out how to do the kitchen reno in several stages, which I believe will help me know what (upper cabinets for instance) I really need. So, doing the demolition, base cabinets, new range, knock down wall, move other 5' wall by 6", sink, peninsula, tape and float, and hopefully backsplash first. Later I will do range hood (having hookup and flue for hood done in first stage though), open shelving, backsplash (if can't do it earlier), upper cabinets (if I need). Lastly I will do floor. If something has to change with my plans, I may have to use our line of credit, but it shouldn't be more than $5000 or so and we will pay it off asap. Hate borrowing money. Also it helps that I found some of our kitchen floor tiles in the creek 15 years ago and saved them! They will replace the flooring where the island is getting removed. P.S. My GC knows about this plan ahead of time and is being very understanding.

Dtric2209, I also got a log of negative feedback on my layout, but I couldn't afford to make the suggested changes, and didn't see. The need for them. And my kitchen is fine, I do love it. That said, I would reconsider the sink placement. You mentioned you are a soon to be mom (congrats!) and IMO there is nothing more frightening than carrying a hot pot of anything across a kitchen where a newly mobile toddler, or excited preschooler might be wandering. For me it would be a safety issue. My mother has a walk of 5-6 steps across her kitchen to get from stove to sink. It terrifies me! I make the kids clear out completely if I need to travel with a hot pot in her kitchen. That's not a reality in my own house. Frequently the kids are underfoot wanting to help, wondering what's for dinner, or just wanting to visit. My stove and sink are on opposite sides of the same corner, a quick peak that no one is standing behind me, and I'm good to go. As far as the micro, I have had a non venting over range micro for 10 years previous, and went with the same here. Venting it wasn't optional without huge issues, and I don't mind the reaching up (and I'm not tall). I use the micro a lot, but I'm used to what I have and that's fine for me.

This looks like a lovely, *big* house. Please excuse my going off topic by suggesting that you do a light fix-up of the kitchen, then list the house for sale. I'm thinking about what you've said about your ages and your mobility issues. My experience and family situation may be very different from yours, but it may apply. My DH and I started building a single floor home fifteen years ago. I was nearly sixty. Since then I have had two hip replacements, pneumonia, a staghorn calculus, and on and on with minor stuff. Back then, I ran around lugging plumbing, lighting, and decorating catalogs, tile samples, etc. I climbed ladders while the house was framed and tramped around to brick- lumber-yards. I walked miles, choosing trees and shrubs. There is no way I could do that today. Heck, I need my DH to carry the heavier grocery bags! I have no debilitating problems and require only one medication for asthma. I am not the fabled Energizer Bunny Elder who will be running marathons into her nineties. I am a reasonably healthy woman, just *older*. I feel lucky to have gotten us moved into our new, 'right size' house *in time*. I can't believe how blind I was to the realities of my *own* aging, having been responsible for an elderly mother and MIL. I totally failed to understand the vast difference between 'almost sixty' and 'almost seventy-five'.

Owlface- Sorry for the delay..I had assessments as well as observations made for a longer then expected day! I too am in Minnesota...Orono--- Here are 2 pictures....they are NOT any means suitable for framing! Taken just for posterity sake :-) As you can see we went with 36" white Shaker, full overlay. All the cabinets came finished on both sides. All soft close. We have yet to finish the fine details-crown molding, some kick toe fronts and couple end fillers. We did get all supplies, parts/pieces from Cabinets madeEZ just haven't trimmed everything all out. I have to select some hardware---having full overlay door fronts make it a real challenge to open without-I really thought that would be my last thing to have to decide on...I am not diggin anything at our local big box stores. Make shift counter tops are TEMPORARY! plywood by the range-real high class! Although my DH did paint the plywood black to get idea of having black counters. The opposite side a $30 remnant from Menards but I do have running water in the kitchen...better then making coffee in the bathroom! I am found your post by looking for advice on granite honed vs leather. At this point thinking I am going Black Pearl/Black Absolute with the leather finish. Going to make on last run to a new granite yard I just heard about tomorrow after school. I have looked at granite suppliers in Plymouth, Burnsville and New Hope. Why not even it out with a trip out to Rogers?? Have you decided on counters yet? Have you priced them out? Hope this helped...If you have suggestions on granite or hardware please share I am getting a bit crazy with this remodel!