So it is unrealistic to know what you are paying before you basically agree to buy with someone? I have an estimate right now for my exact layout from one place, but he doesn't seem to want to give me a quote for another line, other than it would be 20% more. Which is fine, I can do the math myself (about $8,600 for Medallion Gold), just as long as it really is close to 20%. The thing is, I know I don't want to keep things exactly as they are. I need mostly drawers rather than regular cabinet bases, which I know is more expensive. The current oven and microwave are also currently smaller than anything on the market, so I would need to make space for regular sized ones, either by extending the cooktop peninsula next to them or moving the refrigerator on the other side of them to the other wall. Either way, this is adding expenses that probably have not been accounted for in this bid. Sometimes he seems super easygoing and other times I feel like I am bothering him when I ask questions (which may be just different communication styles as well). I do understand his time is valuable, and I don't want to waste it, but he never asked for any kind of fee or retainer for work and I can't just sign on the dotted line when I don't know if there are thousands of dollars of changes needing to be made. I did call another place because they have Diamond Cabinetry, which I have also heard is a good midlevel brand, and since I was feeling a bit uncomfortable with how the interaction was going with the guy at the other place. They have been so friendly and patient every time I have had any interaction with them. They also came out and measured and are even going to do a couple different designs and go over them with me. When they gave me a ballpark though, it was 10-15k, which I don't think is unreasonable, just after hearing under 9k, 15k is tough, especially considering this reno was not planned and we have a lot of other expenses right now, so 6k does make a difference. That 9k might be a big illusion though, since I think he was basing it on what is in place currently, but I'm not sure because I have gotten to the point where I am worried I am asking him too many questions. For a big budget, a 2-5k difference might not really matter, but for us right now it does.

If teal isn’t doing it for you that blue color is really pretty too and still would look gray with brass and the grey floor tile! I found a few good options on amazon for the hardware by searching brass square pulls and also these on way fair: https://www.wayfair.com/Hamilton-Bowes--Ventoux-5-Center-Bar-Pull-24128SB-24128SCOP-L1123-K~HMBW1035.html?refid=GX293766718941-HMBW1035_40348394&device=m&ptid=762818256643&network=g&targetid=pla-762818256643&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=83020192&fdid=1817&PiID[]=40348394&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsbjP3fmW5AIVgrfsCh1oWwbcEAQYDSABEgIS_PD_BwE Here is a link to a similar light fixture! https://www.bellacor.com/productdetail/elegant-lighting-ld6042br-eclipse-brass-and-frosted-white-12-inch-one-light-pendant-2116486.htm?partid=googlePLA-DataFeed-Pendants-2116486&kpid=2116486&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping_-All_Products(NEW)&utm_term=&utm_content=multi-converters_(2-5)&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv_64qPqW5AIVFKrsCh0HGQGgEAQYCCABEgJyK_D_BwE I think the subway tile will look classic and gives you more leeway to get a countertop that can be the star! If you picked the geometric backsplash I would say go for simple very toned down counters.

OK, so it sounds to me that you are trying to do this little kitchen on the sly. I'm going to say you need a drain for a washer/dryer and sink. Yes you have one where the sink is now, but I'm advocating moving the sink. If it is possible to move the window near your sink, I would. I'd put a stackable washer/dryer in a cabinet to the right of that window. I'd have lower cabinets along that wall with a corner easy reach wooden lazy Susan. Then I'd put the kitchen sink under the next window (yes, have the window above the sink). The dishwasher to the left of the sink and then more cabinet space, then a counter depth full size refrigerator/freezer also in a cabinet (which could have an icemaker) and a pull out cabinet. The seating area would be in the middle. In the space between the doors, I would put pantry storage. It might have to be two 42" wall cabinets stacked on each other with extra depth (yes, you can do that). Check out Starmark cabinets. They've got all kinds of great organizational cabinets and even a bread board. Their reputation is good and they appear to have quality cabinets. I know about them because I'm designing a new kitchen for my small space and have researched about 40 cabinet manufacturers. You could have your microwave under the counter or on top. Code requires a landing space within a certain number of inches from a fridge, which is why I put some between it and the sink. It's always nice to look outside while at the sink. Also, it's probably not that much to move the windows up or replace them (worth the money). Smaller appliances cost as much as the full sized ones, so I wouldn't compromise on the fridge/freezer. All this being said, if you cannot move the windows, then I would put a storage cabinet where the current sink is, a bench seat under the window, then sink, dishwasher, stackable washer/dryer in a cabinet. Left of the next window would be a refrigerator and cabinet space. The seating area would still be in the middle. The narrow depth pantry space would be the same as previously mentioned. Since the whole area is small, it's not far from the fridge to the sink and you still have landing space around everything. Good luck with your project! Oh, and you can get counter top induction cook tops (2 burner) and wonderful convection microwaves, both plug into regular wall outlets. I get that you just put those windows in, but it's still better to replace the one near the current sink than to have a horrible layout. Can it just be lifted the 10" you need, having it start at counter top height?

I greatly appreciate the input! Here's what I've come up with for the rework with your help: Eliminate the 9" full height base cabinets by the range. Good they are useless. You don't need more cabinets. You need less cabinets that are larger. Instead: 21" drawer base to the right of range, 21" drawer base immediately to the left of range and 18" drawer base next to that. No. Move the range and and instead do 1 30" cabinet to the left of the range and one 30" cabinet to the right of the range. 3 drawers for each cabinet. You'll get a lot more storage than a useless and too small 21" cabinet and will allow you to put pots and pans next to the stove instead of constantly having to turn 180 degrees to grab pots and pans. The idea is to make the kitchen as easy to work in as possible and to get as much storage as possible. You can add dividers inside the drawers but you can't make too small drawers wider. After some additional thought I think I’m going to remove the drawer base next to the dishwasher. Instead, I’ll make that a full height door cabinet for baking sheet/cutting board storage. It’s 15” and we find the 12” we currently use a bit tight. I think this will also be more aesthetically pleasing as it will mirror the sink base and corner cab. I could also put the trashcan pull out there... but feel like it will have better function being on the range side of the island. Open to thoughts on this. Put the trash cans there. When we cook, we take food out of the fridge, bring it to the sink to wash and prep between sink and stove. You create more steps by having to bring food to the island to prep and then possibly running back and forth between island and sink to rewash stuff, etc and then bringing it once again across the aisle to the stove. Put the cookie storage in the island. This way you can have a base 15" cookie storage on the island and instead of two 27" drawers, have one 15" drawer and one nice sized 39" drawer on the island. Much more functional. (Do you see a theme here where larger drawers are better?) Additionally since baking doesn't require much in the way of water, your island can become your baking station more easily. Here's my next question. In those drawer bases next to range.... 2, 3, 4 drawers? Preferably would like to have them all have the same number. I’m leaning toward 3, but open to suggestions on This as well. Agree 3 drawers. That's what I have and it's perfect. That will allow for most of your pots and pans in the middle and bottom drawers. I appreciate everyone chiming in helping us make this kitchen the best it can be.