One variable I've noticed is texture: the finer weaves nearly always cost more than the more open and larger grasses. Years ago I found a nice weave at Ace HW, but for the past 15 years I buy on line after comparing actual sample papers. A color blocked or foil backed or damask pattern generally will be at an upcharge. Try to find a paper you like, not only the color but the texture, and shop around as prices for the same product can vary dramatically.

I found another of my inspiration photos from houzz. I also wanted to add that I love the walnut for the purpose of an island that will be the main eating area. Eating on hard stone surfaces is not as appealing as eating at a wood "table". We did not intend to use our island for the majority of our meals. In fact we added a bump out to our kitchen to accommodate our kitchen table and allow us to expand our island size. We ended up liking the island so much though that we are now planning to use our bump out for more comfortable seating vs a table. Here is a link that might be useful: [walnut island[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchens-traditional-kitchen-boston-phvw-vp~1541411)

Hi Buttons...it's too bad you got the dual fuel range because it's not so effective to put your head in the oven and turn the gas on hahaha! I bought a Berta years ago (I think it was 2008) and it was a glorified easy bake oven. Thank goodness we moved only a few months after installation...it never did work properly! If and when you could get the burners to work, they did an ok job...but only if/when! The oven was horrible and couldn't even fit the pizza pans that my old Magic Chef had handled so beautifully. Don't get me wrong, I still love the look of the Bertas, but if you plan to actually cook or bake, you're out of luck. I would have guessed, with your husband being a chef and all, you would have known to choose function over appearance. Oh well...all I can say is "I'm sorry!".

I actually drive a Honda Fit and spent more on our cabinets than I did on the car. I hadn't considered it in those terms, but -- yes -- I will spend more on my cabinets than I did on my car. I've also heard that men are like automobiles. That Porsche is gorgeous and SO exciting, but the maintenance will be VERY high. That Taurus sedan is functional and ordinary and will never stand out in a crowd. A Suburban is highly functional and will last forever if maintained. I married a Suburban. I think my husband is a Jeep or a good, solid truck. He's solid as a rock, highly functional, can stand a little abuse, and will last a lifetime. Incidentally, that's one of our goals for the next two years: Buy him a Jeep as we head into retirement, a very real possibility being that he will never buy another vehicle. I drive an Audi Q5 - I lease it as I can't afford to buy one. You bring up a good point: A lot of people are leasing cars they couldn't afford to buy ... others are making payments that are probably beyond what's wise for their incomes. So how does this "game" work for those people? A person might have "Lexus taste" but a "Ford budget". In general, I think semi-custom is probably a good option -- not cheap but not horrendously expensive. You will have many, many options in a semi-custom line, including unusual sizes to fit your space, if needed, as well as better finishes, etc. I agree with you. I started with the idea that I'd go with Custom. My current cabinets are Custom, and they're pushing 50 years old. They really did last well for a lot of years. However, as I've become better informed, I've realized that Semi-Custom will give me 95% of what I wanted ... for not too much over half the price. My agreement with my husband: I'm allowed anything I want in this house, but I have to be sure it's good value. I probably send out a bunch of mixed signals. Currently driving a Hyundai Santa Fe, pre-owned. Previous car, Subaru Forrester, gave up the ghost alas at 184K miles. Unfortunately with my back, SUVs are the only comfortable vehicles. House: quartz counters, IKEA sleeper sofa. Cabinets, custom, but competitive price with standard big box cabs. Currently live in southwestern CT. Moving to rural MA. Clothing: whatever fits comfortably, I have no concept of style when it comes to garb. At any rate, i do high end very selectively, when I think something may call for it. So I would want to know price ranges. We are the same person.