You have a good nice project planned here, with your kitchen now a part of large living space. Here, though, are some cautions and suggestions. Your extra-large peninisula counter and full window wall over the sink seem to be features that you like and want - but they also cause some problems with this plan. If two people are ever in the kitchen, one will be trapped there. And even for one, the peninsula forces an irritating hike around it to the table for serving and clean-up. Table and array of counter stools are uncomfortably close together, creating congestion especially when occupied. And while your back wall may well contain a fridge, wall ovens, pantry and cook-top, it would just barely do so - and leave no other space at all for counter. This, together with your nice bank of windows on the outside wall leave no space at all for upper cabinet dish storage. I agree with Laurie that an island here would be much preferable. I would put the sink and dishwasher on an island, with fewer stools, and some mid-height dish storage - letting gatherings of more than two or three enjoy the table in a conversational arrangement instead of facing away from the room in a row. I would also minimize the window array a bit, and extend the kitchen toward the dining table window a foot or so - and put the wall ovens at this end of the "L" - with no side wall at the left. This would distribute your countertop space more happily among your work stations, allow for some upper cabinet storage, and make the kitchen feel more part of the nice big room, instead of separated from it by the peninsula. Perhaps a careful in-person visit with a kitchen designer would be wise before you build this fun new addition. Good luck! Mark

Beautiful clean modern kitchen! You have a great opportunity to put your personal stamp on the space with a unique backsplash. As you've heard already there are some different approaches. I'd probably place the backsplash up to the wall cabinets and up to the base of the hood. Then continue the backsplash at the same height (18"?) behind the sink. Then place an inspiring colorful picture above the sink to break up the wall. Here's a picture with pendants that aren't too obtrusive. Having multiple levels of lighting at different lumens makes a more inviting feel to the space. I couldn't decipher your flooring, but you may also want to consider adding some nature elements like a type of wood flooring, wood stools, etc. Good luck! If you need software to plan out materials check out our Home Designer software: http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/

~$400 including expedited shipping. My GC just had his regular countertop guy do them, which wasn't great.... he had trouble making clean cuts. If I were going to do it again I would have pressed for someone with expertise to cut them. You can see in the image that the facing is not made of the stone peak, because too much was broken during the cutting to make the mitered edge. I'm a little bummed, but mostly pleased with the surface (which is the important part) thus far.

The blue is awesome (grey is too trendy)! The reason it stands out to you is perhaps because it's the only real colour there. Bring in the blue in a window treatment, a small appliance that sits on the counter, a pretty tray or area rug. Also, it is more appealing often if there are more than 2 colours - so right now you have a white and blue colour scheme - bring in red or orange or fushia - something from the other side of the spectrum (like you did with the yellow flowers but in a more permanent way)!