OK, here's a possibility. Go to the local sign or photocopy shop and have them print, in big, bold, plain(for stupids) writing, "There is a hidden surveillance camera" or omit the surv part if you live in an area with real, real stupids, "which is recording every move(ment)"!!!!OMG, my stomach really hurts. "So, if you belong here, stay and do your duty"(!!!!ha, nah, don't say doody, unless you think it clearly applies to your locale. "Joggers, go at home or go ahead 1/4 mile, but not here"(I'm a mom of a marathoner, but a considerate marathoner) or, "If you can't hold it, go home! This ain't your home!" Plaster these signs INSIDE and outside the porta.. OOOOH, I have a great idea. Instead of 'violaters will be prosecuted... something like, violaters will be given a free, disposable, mop, plastic gloves, strong trash bags and YOU will be responsible for cleaning up your mess. Who defines what is a 'mess'? Your co-workers. If they don't think it's a mess, then they can help you clean it up. If the consensus agrees that it IS a mess, then the consensus (colleagues) can video your clean up activities!!!!This is so much fun! Pecanpie, I spit out my champagne(cheap 9.5% low carb) while reading your post! It was downhill from there......Breathing is difficult. This is a 'save for posterity'(don't go there) thread. Time capsule worthy. Love it Bev I will breathe normally soon. Ok, I can't resist. We have a beach cottage where, (I wish I had written this line...no, I'm not a snob, but) the handymen have more tattoos(sp) than teeth.

Thanks for the idea. It is an interesting take. I didn't think of moving it completely to that side of the room. It is indeed a lot more work, but maybe water pipes & drain & gas wouldn't be a big issue (they go under the house). However there is no (simple) way for getting a vent pipe out and I reeeaaaly want a strong hood with external ventilation and not one with filters. I cannot go through the wall because behind it it's the neighbors garage, I cannot go up because of the top floor and cannot really go outside where the porch is because of the newly installed glass roof of the terrace. Yeah, I have a separate pantry, the "washroom" is actually mostly a pantry. That's also where I store rarely used pots and the like, so that's why I can live without top cabinets. There is also an advantage of having the kitchen where it was meant to be, it is closer to the pantry. But I cannot seem to find a good design that fits there and fulfills the need of a breakfast eating place (like an island) The scale is not really off I think, I really have a 2.5m (8.2 feet) long dining table. And I was thinking of an island of 4x60 cm = 240 cm = 7.9 feet so 4 people can sit comfortably. But it is true, such a big island might not fit. And you gave me an idea with one seat on the side. Maybe it could even be 2 and 2....

Perhaps a gray/green such as BM healing aloe or quiet moments? The BM strip is #110. One of the darker shades on that strip might also work since you have so little wall space. What is the color in your hall and living room? Maybe you could continue that into the kitchen.

Hi everyone! Thank you SO MUCH for all of the feedback - beyond helpful and appreciated. So, looking back at the photos, the color/character that comes through on the photographs aren't quite true to the real deal. While the cabinets aren't the typical honey oak, they aren't the walnut with character like the photos look to show. Either way, I'm definitely hearing that many of you think I should not paint them - well noted! We're not quite sold on painting them and have been nervous to do so - we've heard oak doesn't paint well etc. With that said, I think I could have been more thorough in my original post in what I think the kitchen is lacking - which is contrast. While the pics don't show it the best, the flooring is the exact same color as the cabinets - and the countertop and backsplash don't add any contrast. I'm liking the idea of changing the countertops and backsplash (put in by previous owner which I've wanted to change anyways) and putting in runners! Brilliant! As for the island - it is really too small and we would like to have island seating for entertaining etc. - people tend to just stand around the kitchen when we have friends or family over and it would just make it more inviting to have island seating. My thought is to have a custom island made - and paint it cream for a contrast. I then plan on adding a cozy little area in front of the fireplace with a few chairs and eating in the dining room instead of the kitchen - old school style! I like the idea of a hood over the stove - how much does this usually run... ballpark? I also like the idea of white trim - is painting trim a bad idea - would you suggest just replacing it altogether?