Herbflavor- I will try the 3 sketches. I've heard of the Liebherr, might be a bit out of range, $3000 for a freestanding 24", also sounds like service maybe expensive too. I do like the counter depth and compactness it would provide though. Katsmah- great idea, although the fridge door swinging how it does makes easy access to beer when I'm in the next room over (living/dining room). Moving the fridge towards the right may address this though. roarah- Another great idea! Except my sink/cooktop wall is an exterior wall, I may not be able to do this depending on what's behind there, but I can do it on the opposite wall. Also- a standard studded wall is 3.5" deep, how did you fit a toaster here? fori- Aisle is 49" wide from edge of existing countertop to countertop. I may be able to get a few (3) more inches by taking out studs on the fridge wall. It's a non-bearing wall, I planned to do this with the 'fridge anyhow so it doesn't stick out as far as it does now. I'll see if I can fit 30" depth cabinets but I dont think there's going to be enough space, not to mention the added expense. Yes, cabinets all the way up to the ceiling is in the plans, and yes I can, there's nothing behind there but air. On the existing fridge wall, the soffit stops at the pantry. I made a graph paper sketch, I'll have to find it and scan it.

I too like stainless with the wooden cabs and black countertops! My kitchen is almost the same but I only have about 36" for an aisle between the cabinet runs. We chose the same look for just about everything, except I chose Ikea white shaker cabinets and a black stone look resilient vinyl tile floor. My counters will be Black Alicante laminate, which looks like a black marble or soapstone. I'm on a small budget! I agree about the stainless being tough to keep fingerprint free, especially if you have kids. We have excellent taste! :) Mine should be done next week (except the backsplash) if the counters come in and I'll post pics then.

A piece of information for you to factor in: If you're looking at the big national places to install, make sure they will come to your house to do a small job. I'm working my way through this now. For example, M. Tex will only go something like 250 miles, and only to install 30 sq ft or more. Less than that and they'll fabricate, but you have to template and install. But they have the greatest variety of stone. So it's a bit aggravating. Other DO install small projects far away. Just make it a question you ask up front, if that's what you're looking for, not after a 20-minute conversation about types of stones or something. It is true that, for things like glasses, when they tip over, you also have to worry about them breaking on the SIDES of the sink. Not insurmountable, but something to consider.

Love your choices. The crystal hardware seems a little formal for the slab cabinets but just my opinion. Would they be the copper tone shown? I don't see the peninsula on the floor plan. Am I missing it or is the plan drawn without the peninsula?