Gooster: Amazing resource. Thanks for the link, and for letting me know that there were more to see on other pages because I would have missed them! It's too bad that this hasn't been active for a year. It's a great resource. Strayer and Three Graces: Thank you so much for sharing. I can't see your photo, Strayer, but Three Graces, your kitchen is lovely! I love the soft white color and the large wall of cabinets. Must be great for storage!

Hi, RDW. This is fun time, but most of it'll be right at home. You'll notice that Marcolo's link has almost nothing to do with yet another shopping trip. A few inserts are prizes, but a lot are unnecessary obstacles to good use. Some flexibility isn't just good, it's required for good function. That link does cover almost everything, so I'll just offer to think in terms of point of first use and, since not everything can be stored right there, in terms of priority--the more often an item is used, the closer it gets stored to point of first use. Long ago I visited someone with a very small kitchen who stored her salad spinner on a shelf by a stack of 4 plates and 4 bowls. I was clueless then, but now I understand completely. Smart lady.

Just coming into this thread. Been swamped at work lately and can't sleep tonight. I too would probably play it a little safe and do the second color on the island. BTW, I love your kitchen layout. Really pretty. Are you going with granite? I would tone the cabs to match with the counter top material that you want. Now, that said, I found my granite first and then went with cabs that went with that color. I too have a very small kitchen. No room for an island. Originally, I had a very traditional kitchen in mind and them pushed my design ideas to be more of a transitional style kitchen. I am very happy with my choices. I finally decided on plain maple cabs (I only have one window in the kitchen and had to worry about light) but I wanted some pazazz. I did my sink in an espresso (black) stain. I LOVE it! It looks like a beautiful piece of furniture. I did have mine built about three inches larger than the other cabs and am glad I did. Far more room under the sink for everything. So those of you thinking of black stains, here is mine. I didn't do a distressed finish as I was tired of the country look for me (although it was a beautiful finish). So this is straight stain and the other cabs are natural.

Ugh, I totally thought I was on the kitchen forum! Thank you cpartist - you always have my back! My brain is not functioning too well with all this decision making...;)