I think we are going to use the white subway tile to keep the budget down as I priced new tiles and it would blow out the budget. Really like the contrast grout idea to add a bit of texture and pattern. My partner is a builder and he loves the reclaimed wood shelf idea as we have a lot of spear old wood left over from the renovation. We have made a dinning table and fire place mantel from it already so it would tie in really well.

36" is my recommendation ... mine is 31 and it feels tight (but I still love my new kitchen).

There are three elements: simplicity, simplicity, simplicity. Well that is sort of a joke. Some do have dramatic pops of primary colors. Type in Mid Century Modern Kitchens on HOUZZ. You will see the commonalities. Today many people are following MCM principles of design but giving it all a modern 2016 edge using new products that didn't even exist over 50 years ago. Are you a purist or not? See what makes your heart race a bit or a lot when you look at MCM kitchens and then do your own thing! Best.

Hello Deb - sounds nice :) If you are going with High Gloss cabinetry this needs to be done 'perfectly' by your kitchen installer as gloss shows EVERYTHING. Just something to be careful of. www.cambridgecolour.co.nz elizabeth@cambridgecolour.co.nz