I am sure at least some of you know how I have been sitting dead in the water regarding flooring and cabinet stain choices for at least 2 months. Even when I feel great about what I am doing, inevitably I end up feeling terrible again about it. It's truly a nightmare and I just wish I could walk away from the whole thing. So since I am having so much trouble, maybe I should switch my choices and end this paralyzation. Please vote if you think I should keep the original vision in #1 or abandon it for #2: Granite is Golden Beaches. My actual slab: Those unfortunately are not the cabinet doors. Mine are birch and raised panel. I have two painted pieces in my kitchen also (cream color with glaze): a hutch and a display bookshelf piece. Please vote. I have no photos because neither of these samples have been worked up by the finisher even though they have worked up about 5 samples for me by now. UG. 1. CURRENT CHOICE - NATURAL HICKORY FLOOR Cabinet stain in a caramel color that matches the darker caramel in the hickory. Light colored slate in nearby fireplace, coffee table, and possibly in backsplash. Designer has met with me 4 times now to assure me that it's going to be beautiful, and she has done hickory projects before. Very earthy and Pacific Northwesty. I am in the PNW foothillls in a very traditional style neighborhood and home. Very concerned it will end up looking like a lodge or just too busy. 2. NEW CHOICE - NATURAL WHITE OAK FLOOR The cabinet door would be adjusted to something that went well with the granite. Maybe like one of the doors up against the granite slab in the photo. Concerned it might be a bit humdrum and boring, and worst of all already outdated, especially since oak and busy granite are already yesterday's news according to some.

ok.. lazygardens.. you figured me out.. LOL.. With all the chaos in my life perhaps I am ultimately seeking that California Zen vibe.. maybe the DR is just not the right place. And the rest of my house has the earthy tones NE feel (considering I live in NE not that far off I suppose). I am going to find another home for the tray- put the other candles back in their previous location and look for other options. I would like to keep the runner for a variety of reasons so will start over from there!! Thanks for all suggestions.. @ roarah- the color is BM mayflower red. I had it my last two homes and when we moved into this one I had to have it. It is really warm- the rug below the dining table basically was the inspiration for all the colors in my home.. They are what I am most comfortable with..

Sheeisback, I like the Fallen Leaf as well, but it's a pain because it's a CSP color, which means it's patented and protected by BM, so you can't buy samples in the stores, and you have to buy it in Aura paint. You can get a sample directly from BM, for $10 plus shipping, then the $60 for the gallon of Aura...not worth it to me. Emmarene, the kitchen also has the hand hewn pine beams on the ceiling and the shiplap chalet ceiling, painting in BM White Dove. Have to go back and really go over cabinet options and colors. Thinking about a green or an ivory now since I'm concerned the plain maple will clash with the pine beams. I don't want any cabs with orange in them, and I don't want dark cabs.

Unless you go high end, under counter units tend to be louder and less refined on the temperature control. Other than that, a fridge is a fridge. Relatives have a new GE undercounter fridge. 4-5cf. It holds a surprising amount. Drawer fridges/freezers are easier to use, in general, but cost more. Organizing bins or bags can help with a door fridge. I have a 24" wide drawer unit, and it'll hold a 25 lb. turkey in the carton it was shipped in.