I did end up choosing the partial overlay. They are custom and were not any cheaper than full overlay (but cheaper than inset). No stiles in the center. We are opening up the kitchen somewhat to the two rooms that have the same cabinets (den and living room) so the transition seems better as its not a very big house (older 1940 house). The other reason is that i like the pull out cutting boards and you can't get that in full overlay. I'm getting 3! The cabinet maker really didn't like the inset cabinets even though they charge more for them. Pointed out some problems with them which i took with a grain of salt but made me think he probably makes a better cabinet that isn't inset. I'm painting them different colors so i'm hoping to add some pizzazz that way.

Fouram, As I mentioned, for reasons too complex to go into, this mock up understates the amount of space there will be between items. All of the items have a total dimension of 15 feet and the wall is approx 20 feet. Moreover, as the appliance guy reminded me, we hang dishtowel on ovens regularly. Bicycle, yes, that is a beautiful home, I agree. I already got some layout help; I used to have a fridge on this run until someone pointed out it would block the traffic to the butler's pantry! Thanks, Merman Mike. There is a built in hutch on the opposite wall of the kitchen, and a pantry closet next to it, and a Butler's Pantry with extensive storage between the K and the DR (and the DR has a built in china closet, too). So I am pretty well set for storage with what is there, just not shown. BTW, don't know if you recall, but I am using the Shaker Table you recommended for my kitchen dining table. Thanks!

Everyone's priorities are different. That said, mine was looking for someone who would go the distance to figure out how to get my job done in the best way possible. Is it perfect? no. But -- when the inevitable issues came up that could not have been recognized before the job started (identified need for additional structural support, had the engineers on staff to figure out how to address, handled the whole thing......or when the flooring installer did a less-than-acceptable job) .... it was how they might handle those types of things. They had the staff/professional relations to figure out that there was an issue, and then how to address it. They were also very big on communication, so we got regular updates as to what was going on, what would happen next, and general schedule of things. Good luck!

I think you take a box of each and lay them out next to yours with your lighting etc so you have a true visual of how they will blend or contrast and to ensure the tones coordinate well. I would get up to 4 options at 1st to work with starting with the closest match to the furthest contrast that you like. Once you have them played out in the patter next to your floors and in your light and the scale of the space it will make a big difference. You will be able time step back and see if from afar, in different times of day etc. Some will stand out right away as the wrong choice, others will take a news days and fighting to decide and narrow it down. Just make sure you can take them back and any time limits for refunds. Try one out at a time. Hope that helps. I also take a picture of things when I first do them and sometimes it helps me pick out changes needed right away. Maybe that is just me but for some reason it is a huge help lol.