Since it is a new build, I would encourage you to solve your lighting problems with a good lighting design and not by lighter or darker finishes. It's amazing how many people feel that they can't have what they want in a complete kitchen renovation because of natural lighting conditions when they could just add more lighting and it's not a problem anymore. That said, stained finishes are definitely more durable and hold up better as well as being easier to touch up. i wonder if your take on the the painted finish is because it is sprayed rather than brushed. A sprayed finish with topcoat will not look or feel like a hand brushed finish and will definitely feel more "factory" and "perfect" and less "natural" especially to someone who is accustomed to a brushed finish (I don't mean a hacked brushed finish either, but a nice one done by someone who knows what they are doing). It is definitely a different look/feel but also a lot more expensive to do a nice brushed finish.

My Family has severe drop-itis, but I have it too. Also, I have more hobbies than they do and like many women, more of the stuff in the home is seen as "mine." Also, I am more likely to make a mess but EVENTUALLY pick it up ( I get organizing and cleaning spurts) , rather than create the archeological piles my other family members accumulate. Very frequently I want to rant at DH or DD about their mess. But, if I look around, I see, my laundry is not put away, I have a pile of mag's here, some gardening stuff there... I have made up my mind to work through all of my own clutter, habits, zones--whatever--meanwhile picking up others' stuff as much as I wish, or not, and just not say ANYTHING until I think I am in control of my own habits and stuff. I mean, I want to be able to look at a room and honestly see nothing there that I caused, did, bought, dropped, causing a problem. Because I know that that is what is bothering me the most--my own habits that I would like to change. In my family, there's not a big fuzzy feeling of "let's get organized together." And I don't feel comfortable spilling the blame out of frustration with my own problems. I also am taking a hard look at all my "homemaker" jobs and streamlining them ruthlessly--simpler groceries, meals, hobbies--so I don't blame someone else for my "complicated" life. I am lucky that my family also, to their credit, does not sit around expecting Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart. Instead, I'm the one who likes to cut and arrange flowers, or change the throw pillows, or cook, and then I find, maybe I took on too much for all of what else we've got going on, and no one to blame but me. This doesn't mean that DD or DH would not have their own chores or responsibilities or that I can't say to DD, please pick up your stuff from the den, we're trying to tidy up today. It just means I've decided not to aim any "we're such a mess!" at them at this point, because I don't feel I'm a good example myself, yet. For me, I need that feeling of personal control to have credibility to ask someone else to try to do more to help.

Hi rusty ... and everyone. Sorry that you're feeling so dragged out by that darn housework ... that never seems to end. And folks - what with the new look to take place around old rusty's home soon ... ... what say we take up a collection to get a new stainless steel bucket for her, to replace the deteriorated one that she's been harbouring for so long, huh? I got busy and dusted and swept out my bedroom the other day, herding the dust bunnies right into the composting pail, to take out to fertilize the garden. Don't tell me that in taking on that task I may be putting myself at risk of getting shingles! Oh, Lordy! That'll make it even more difficult summoning up the energy to get after the dust bunnies in the other rooms! Life do have its problems, don't it?? Good wishes to everyone as you go about your Christmas or other holiday preparations. ole joyful

Sherry, it is flowering quince (chaenomeles speciosa). Although many do not like this dangerous shrub (yikes, spikes!!) I love to see them in the spring. Someone on the forum-one of the Nancys maybe- has shown a lovely double red bloom. I loved it. I would also like one of the orange. But by the time they stop blooming, I am tunnel vision daylily mode and forget to look for one!!! Kate