Ok, so I just re-measured to be sure. I should have pointed out that the 11' x 9' did not account for the hallway closet that intrudes on the space. So footballmom, you are right. Because of the closet, functionally I guess the room is a lot smaller, as the closet takes up space next to the dishwasher. So here are the more specific dimensions; - Long wall with range in the middle: 140" (currently about 54" to left of range and 56" to right) - Sink/pass-through wall (up to closet): 87" - Window wall: 115" - Wall where fridge is now (up to doorway): 60" Note that the window isn't centered, so there's only 23 3/4" on the right side of it, but 37 3/4" on the left. This is why the fridge sticks out beyond the window where it is. Part of the reason we were thinking of "regular-sized" appliances is resale. Not that we are planning on selling soon, but are trying to take into consideration what potential buyers would want. Also I wonder whether smaller appliances might actually make the room seem smaller by association? Maybe not I will definitely give the idea of a smaller fridge and DW some more thought. 3" of space next to the fridge is do-able. I think that this would only allow opening the door to 90 degrees -- I would be able to pull the right crisper drawer out enough to reach the contents completely, but not quite enough to remove the crisper drawer. I don't think this would bother me. Would it bother other people? Buehl, what do you think? The OTR is vented to the outside (that wall is an exterior wall). Jillypie, I don't think I would have room for a fridge where the D/W/ is now. Bmorepanic, we don't have a basement, just a crawlspace. We had toyed with the idea of moving the sink and making an opening through the passthrough, but it would probably be too costly. No heating in that closet, just a million coats and shoes and an electrical box. I'm interested in the idea of running cabs under the window, but then still have the problem of where to put the fridge. In one way, I do like the idea of the fridge on the range wall, as this would help to visually break up the cabinets on that wall - esp if we get a nice-looking ss one. Divamum, I very much appreciate your Sunday morning musings :) I agree that the kitchen should be a place to live rather than just cook. I'm thinking that maybe if we open up the pass-through wider as well as taller (ie above dishwasher), then maybe we could put a couple of bar stools up to the counter there. There's not a whole lot of space in the DR, but maybe just enough? Kitchenkelly, we are planning to go crazy with lighting too :) I really like the idea of pendant lights over the sink area. Definitely undercab lighting. Hmmm a sconce is an interesting idea maybe I can find a place to put one of those Seems like everyone is in agreement that cabs should all go to ceiling in this space and not be varied heights. Anybody disagree? A couple of KDs (I'm still deciding which KD to go with) have suggested leaving a gap at the top and putting lights up there to flood the ceiling with light and make the tops of the cabinets "glow". One of them had suggested having only the cabs above the range go to ceiling. What do you think of this idea? Thank you all so much! I will try to post some pics soon of different options. Meanwhile, please keep those ideas coming!

Wow. Go away for the weekend and loads of messages waiting upon my return. Thanks for your advice everyone. I'm really an authentic art person and have just ordered a print from esty and have several others hiding in my closet I can have framed. I just really liked the size of the boards and when I put the new cabinet in the kitchen I had to move them somewhere. We do actually use them. The kids will often write occasion appropriate messages (happy birthday daddy!) or we used it to count down the days to our last vacation. In the kitchen I did our weekly menu plan on it so everyone knew what was coming (whether they liked it or not). I'm including a more recent shot at a different angle so that the glare isn't so awful and you can see it with the slipcovered couch (okay, I'm still hoping SOMEONE will like them - just one little voice).

Pictures would make it easier for the rest of us to visualize what you're working with. I've linked a thread below which will help you with posting pictures on this forum. Also your links to the bead and batten references are not working. I know you said you already added one white counter. Are you committed to staying with white counters or would you be willing to do white cabinets with a darker countertop? The pop of color in your walls may be enough to counter the white. Again pictures would be best and if you can link to the wall color, that would be great as well. Here is a link that might be useful: Thread with lots of help for newbies

You don't have to stay with oak -- you can use a painted finish -- black, white, grey or a favorite color, but you will need to paint the walls and then work to make it all come together. If you wanted another wood tone stain finish, it is possible, but you have to work with the undertones and grains of the woods and make them work together. Your tile looks like it may have some gray in it. Does it? It looks like it should go with a lot of things - though you might need to replace the tile because the new vanity's footprint may not match exactly if the tile doesn't go under the cabinet, or you might chose a style that has furniture feet and needs the tile to go underneath, or the tile could be damaged even if it does go under the cabinet. You could also decide that if you are going to do the cabinet and paint and fixtures, the floor should have a new look too (loooks like you have less than 50 sq ft and it would be pretty straight lines -- easy enough for a first project if you want to DIY). Have you looked at vanities to see what you like? You can get them with the countertop and sink in place -- just add a faucet (a few come with the faucets but you typically pick your own). If you spot something you like, that can be your launching point and inspire all your other choices. Overstock and Joss and Main are two places you might want to look just to start getting ideas. Wall color would follow vanity and floor choices in my book -- unless you had a color you loved and knew you wanted everything else to go with, but that doesn't seem to be the case.