Hi Daisychain01! First, let me compliment you on your beautiful island! You have inspired me! I'm building my own island and now, having seen yours, I think I may go with maple for the top! And how very clever of you to think of looking in antique stores to figure out a way to get your drop leaf! I may do that too, although I'll have to hire an expert for that; my DIY skills aren't up to that. I applaud your decision to leave it natural. Gorgeous and functional!

Thanks Jan you the island is another example of a Husband who is very traditional and me a downtown loft dweller who would have gone with painted cabinets in a navy or grey and waterfall Calcutta island. (Dreams) I will mention your idea on wrapping the legs see if I can get some traction.

Having managed vacation properties from Vegas to the Jersey Shore for 15 years, I suggest you try to make the property pay for its own upgrades via rentals. If your area has an off season, you can plan for work to be done during that down time. To lessen the impact of the flooring, stain the grout lines to pop less, or take on a bigger project and have the tile re-grouted a darker color. Pick your favorite light shade from the tiles for wall paint, sticking with the warmer shades so they work with the orange tones of the cabinetry and table. Your samples on the wall look too cool for the flooring and cabinetry. Look for seating with some of the newer durable fabrics like Crypton. Without more photos of the space, it is hard to say what type of seating you need. I assume there is TV somewhere in the room. Can you post more pix?

A bistro table with a marble top would work if you can find it in the right size. C&B has one, but the top is too small for your area.