Thanks for your gracious comments, "holiday-ers!" Yes, that bittersweet lady was quite a character! ...and I will think of her each time I use this wreath...I hope it dries & keeps for me...glad you enjoyed her story, too! luvs...yes, it is fun to decorate more for the seasons...enjoying this forum so much. OA...I can't remember the name of the dried stuff with the hydrangeas..darn, I needed to write it down. Bought it at the Farmers' Market that DH & I sell at. Thought it was quite beautiful...could be hung, too. The candleholder is from one of the home decorating parties probably 35+ yrs ago...I have loved the look of wrought iron or matte black metal finish for yrs. Can you believe I have 2 of these candleholders that used to hang on dining room wall with black chain draped from one side to the other...and in-between were 3 ceramic "Musketeers!" Must find that pic to share! I made the muskies at ceramics class in the early 70's. ladypat...yes, I bought "plants" ...male & female...& the non-invasive kind...so we shall see, uh? Thanks for info. Thanks nana, frou, lynne, party, punk, karen, jay...passed on compliments to DH, too...appreciated! Hope the bittersweet will come to those who love it! Jeanne S. jane...now on the lookout for a white plate or platter for white dishes on porch top shelf...I knew it needed height...but my turkey platter was too big! Thanks for the suggestion...more shopping ahead! tee hee frou...pic on ledge in the "bat frame" is about 30+ y-o...our kids! A fav pic of mine.

Thank you all for the suggestions. Since the DR is open to the kitchen, I really need to use this cabinet for china storage. As mtnrd mentioned, it first has to be functional. The colors in my pics must be slightly off--the only red in the kitchen is the KA mixer (which, admittedly, does have a huge presence), a couple of cookbook spines, and a Blenko glass pear, which I added so the the KA wouldn't be alone. I am not one who likes red--there is nothing else red in my house, with the exception of books and the grands' toys. The mixer is red only because it was a great deal on CL--my first choice would have been apple green. That said, I decided to play with some color, so if you are still interested, read on. I switched out the bread box in some pics, and tried some books on the counter. Here I borrowed a couple of things to add some red: Dark orange/terra cotta: Bright orange: Yellow: Floraline green: Aqua: (Sorry, no indigo or violet--I'm not a fan of purple, either, except in irises and pansies.) Finally, everything is back the way it was, with some red books and the slightly smaller white bread box on the counter: I think I'll keep this arrangement for awhile, even though it kinda' reminds me of a display in a bridal shop. Maybe it's the 1930's style 'tunnel of love' swans. :) This post was edited by mama_goose on Mon, Sep 9, 13 at 22:03

Seeing your two mock-ups above, I think it would could work either way. IMHO, however, your first instinct was probably better: it does balance better, it prevents a glass corner from sticking out that close to the range, and it allows more breathing room for a behind-the-range feature if you ever plan to add one. Your original order and idea will look better, just in m opinion, since you asked. I'm estimating that those are 15 inch lowers on each side, which would give you a very nice visual "breathing space" on either side of the hood. Oh, and if you win the lottery and want to install a tile or other backsplash from range top, all the way to the ceiling, you'd still be able to do it without removing the shelves. The kitchen looks great so far!

delilah66 it's actually a monitor stand I constructed out of a speaker stand haha. Although my monitor is fairly big for a computer monitor (29'') it's actually very slim and light so thats why the stand can hold it I think. I does wobble a little only if u bump it. Otherwise for me it is fine. Yea I wanted to get this project done ASAP so I can get back to studying : )