14x12 area for cabs and a ppliances? that's a good size. "alot of big drawers could be visually plain. " don't say that! lol! I plan on all drawers except sink base. my kit is only about 10 x11 tho. 12 x 11 including the back hall - that whole side of it is open to the back hallway. while at my sister's on Friday I looked around to see if she had a bunch of drawers together. She doesn't - but then she was sick during the build and her dh chose most everything. (he's the cook). She did show me 1 cab they had with the slide outs. It was a ONE door cab tho - it didn't seem to be that much of a problem. open ONE door, slide out 'drawer'; slide back in and shut the one door. he keeps pots / pans on those 2 drawer/shelves. It's still not something I'll put in. It's still 1 door to open that won't be there with a drawer. I have to make things as easy as possible for myself - to use and clean. here's a bank of drawers in my sister's kit; plain, flat panel fronts... like i want.

Wow! This is thought-provoking since we are in the midst of renovating a house and are actually living through all of the must haves, can't haves and what I should work in.... (Wonder if I should start a thread on this, hope this is not too long). Here are the must haves or what I have decided on: Lots and lots of counterspace and storage Large kitchen island with cabinets to both sides plus seating area Separate walk thru pantry with lots of storage for china,extra kitchen equipment and food plus separate freezer Tall drawers for large pots and storage containers for "the dreaded Tupperware drawer" Separate full refrigeratorin kitchen and full freezer in pantry area both with panels - don't want the SS look Two ovens - one being the Miele speed oven which would serve the place of a microwave and a toaster oven, the other will be from under the full range - see below A coffee station behind an appliance garage Garbage/recycling cans to either side and dishwasher Single bowl sink with runyons for drainage My splurge - a Capital Culinarian 48" with grill and most importantly a strong, quiet vent hood (paneled) vented to the outside - here waffling between just getting SS for the stove and never getting tired of it or springing for one in red - will I get tired of it?!Will I end up regretting it several years down the road? Plain, timeless cabinets that I won't get tired of - well made, white without a lot of embellishments Lots and lots of windows to see the view and two skylights above the large island for natural lighting Separate lighting - for amibiance and tasks throughout the kitchen Now for the enigma: I would like natural stone countertops that are easy to maintain - a matt finish, won't etch, won't stain with oil and can be cleaned. Haven't figured this one out yet - would love some ideas/suggestions, I just don't know which way to go. What I envision is a honed or antiqued black granite on the periphery and the island (which has the sink in it) I would like a white marble look without the worries of etching, etc. The people I have been speaking to about the island say that there now is a product that is guanranteed for 15 years against staining and that I could do the marble I wanted, that I don't have to worry. I am worried about "guarantees". We do heavy duty cooking and entertaining---think wine rings, lemon juice, oil ring, etc. on a daily basis.Right now I have white Corian countertops which I have had for 20 years and still looks great since I can clean and bleach the stains and I don't cut on them (don't want this look again, though.....) Looking for somethings different and don't want to do regular granite..... Would love some suggestions - better to start a new thread?

Just thought I'd give you an update on my experience with my ever expanding list of sewing accessories. Please note I'm a beginning home dec sewer wants professional results with sewing minimal skills so my needs will probably differ from yours. My budget isn't unlimited but I'm willing to pay extra for quality and convenience. The 18" by 24" lucite flatbed sewing extension table -- Terrific, a must have for large scale home dec sewing. Worth every penny of the $75 I paid for it. Stick on magnifiying glass -- I bought one but found it very awkward to use. I packed it up and put it away. If you need to do close work at your sewing machine, it's better to put on your dorky reading glasses. Disappearing ink marking pens -- The ink disappeared two minutes after I applied it. If you live in humid climate like me, these are a terrible choice. Pen style chalk markers -- Simply wonderful product. Lets you apply a narrow chalk line with ease and precision. It's light years beyond regular tailor's chalk. Well worth the extra cost. Plastic pillow templates -- These plastic pattern guides are hard to find but worth tracking down. Quick and easy to use, the tapered edge template eliminates "rabbit ears." Lets you measure once and cut once without making stupid mistakes. Great for anyone who likes to sew throw pillows. Glass head pins -- I know many people swear by glass head pins, but I absolutely hate them. The shafts are very thin and the tips are very sharp so I ended up with very painful, bleeding finger pricks. Sewing shouldn't be a "blood sport." Give me those yellow plastic head quilter's pins any day. Rotary cutter with push button lock -- If you're going to buy a rotary cutter, make sure it has an easy to use push-button lock that you can operate with one finger. And train yourself to lock your cutter every time you put it down even for a moment. So far, I haven't had a single accident and I intend to keep it that way. O-ring weights -- I'm so glad I spent the $12 on these weights. They're so handy, I've used them in countless ways on every sewing project. They're a definite must have if you're using a rotary cutter. Spring loaded scissor snips -- The only way to cut straggler threads. The one I bought has a black plastic grip with a finger hole that's very easy to hold. Creative Feet's Pearls and Piping foot -- I received this foot a few days ago. The manufacturer claims you can use it to make 1/6" to 1/4" piping. I've found it does a great job on 4/32" or 5/32" piping, producing a professional looking result with very little effort. But it can't handle anything larger so it's nice but not a must have. Rotary cutting board -- The bigger, the better. My largest one is 25" by 25" (June Tailor, Wash Away 1/4" Wonder Tape -- Makes inserting a zipper a breeze. I couldn't sew without it. Fabric glue stick -- I use it to position the covering fabric around my welting cord. Gives a very professional result. I ordered a dozen. Teflon sewing foot -- I spent a small fortune on a special teflon piping foot for my Bernina so I could sew on slippery microsuede. Unfortunately, the foot can't ever touch the feeddogs or it will scrape the finish right off. The first time I used the foot, I got a small nick. Now I'm too scared to use it. Bobbin buddies -- Little pink plastic thingies that fit around your spare bobbins to prevent thread from tangling. Worth every penny.

Well, my kitchen still isn't quite done. But for now, it is my full extension drawers and the soft close on the doors and drawers. What a great feature. DB (dear boyfriend) used to make me jump everytime he shut (aka slammed) the cabinet door. Now it is quiet as a whisper--my whisper not his--he doesn't have a quiet bone in his body! I also love my faucet (pre-rinse faucet). I now know why they use those things in restaurants. Makes your life so much easier. My under cab lights which make my kitchen sexy! My Bosch dishwasher. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that thing. It is quieter than my new fridge. Cleans gunked up, caked on stuff that has been sitting there a week. Everything comes out clean as a whistle. Did I tell you that I love the thing? Granite is not too bad either Oh, by the way I Chick--check is in the mail... along with the other checks for CA state employees....Not so LOL...but one must keep a sense of humor...