I have rentals from college students to retirees. I agree with lazygardens that hardwood in the kitchen is fine if you have a great finish and the right tenants (never college students). It appears it can take more abuse than the laminate in my rentals. Laminate tiles are cheap and quick too but can look worn in a few years (again, depending on the tenant). Tile flooring for me can take the most abuse and not show it. As someone previously said, determine your target rental group and set the kitchen tone with that. Check out a few other rental houses in the area. Now I only list on craigslist. 10 times more responses and better quality tenants than from the local paper. It's free and easy. You can see the other local rentals there too with pics. Since this is not a high end market laminate countgertops (Wilson Art at HD) is great and cheap. Get something with a few colors in it so you can't see cuts, etc. I have white cabinets in one apartment and I would never do that again. Yes, it's low end HD but it always looks dirty and worn (vs. darker or stained cabinets). Darker cabinets and appliances will make it look darker but go with light laminate flooring, light paint color, light countertops and good lighting and it will make a difference. And remember - don't go too crazy since this is a rental (and you're going to charge below market rent) Also, MA state law says you cannot take a security deposit more than one months's rent. Not sure of the laws in your state.

don't know. get both samples and try them out. lighting in your home affects how the colors look on walls. And you haven't said what color white is on the ceiling. if it's a plain, neutral white, anything will look fine next to it.

I like the idea of all white and I think your house will look great. How about Senora Gray for the shutters? I think I would use it on the shakes on the addition also. I think that color would work with the stone. The double windows don't need the shutters.

Look for lightly patterned performance fabrics for slipcovers. The patterning will help hide stains that remain after washing. You could also have a second set of pristine slipcovers for times when you entertain people when the dogs are kept out of the room. Leather, especially white leather, will not be dog proof. You can slow down the absorption of liquids by keeping the sofa polished with whatever the manufacturer recommends, but it's a losing battle. There are pretty good faux leathers out there that you could look at, too. They are not very comfortable for people for hours of sitting.