The Beginnings of a New Kitchen!!!!

I've been busy as a bee, can I tell ya? ..... I had granite and tumbled marble tiles installed in my kitchen last week.  Something I've wanted to do for a very long time..... But one thing leads to another and another..... And now I'm changing cabinet knobs out, replacing light fixtures, reworking my island, etc. etc.  :-) 

I'm linking up with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday.  I really really need some input so please take time to leave me a comment.

Here's a quick peek at the work in progress.  But you can only view if you PROMISE (scout's honor) to post a comment with your preference on cabinet hardware.

I have several design dilemmas to contend with.  First and foremost, I want updated knobs that de-emphasize the red in the stain on my cabinets.  And I'm very undecided, with the top picks being either flat black or brushed nickel.  The black knobs accent the black appliances, but the brushed nickel reflects lights in a beautiful way and matches the finish on my new faucet.  I tried oil rubbed bronze but it does nothing for the cabinet color other than blend right in.

Here's a before shot taken the morning of the demo after the outdated white porcelain knobs had been removed.....

It was time for that worn, tired formica, stained tile, and drippy faucet to go.  The granite guys came in and had it all torn out in no time flat.  They might have worn earrings but they sure worked like REAL men.  LOL

Here is my kitchen now, still a work in progress............. I replaced my vent hood because it was grimy from 19 years of duty and I love that it not only has two lights, there are high and low settings.  Who would have thought a vent hood could bring such joy?  Do you see that ugly outlet cover?  After I took this photo, I found some ceramic ones at Home Depot that blend right in with the marble....

I spotted that pencil trim on the backsplash in a kitchen photo online and just fell in love with it.  I knew that a lot of pattern on my backsplash would detract from that gorgeous granite so I opted for a monochromatic look with pencil trim to add just a bit of polish. 

As much as I wanted a new cooktop, I had them drop the old one right back in.  I'll use it until it goes out and then replace it.  I know, just call me TIGHTWAD.

I knew I wanted an overhang on the end of my island to increase my usable counter space and possibly house a barstool.  I've ordered some decorative iron brackets online but am still considering having the cabinet guys mount two wooden posts under the overhang. 

I love it when an island looks like a piece of furniture, don't you?  Another thought would be to add some feet to it and stick with the iron brackets.  Talk to me, ladies....

And then there's the possibility of painting and glazing just the island in a pretty country white color.....  I was leaning that way at first and even consulted with a lady who does fabulous faux finishes, but truly CRINGE at the idea of painting over such nice wood.  But a little voice keeps saying, "Wouldn't it be absolutely beautiful????"  The cost of faux finishing all of the cabinets would be around $2,700 but to redo just the island would be quite reasonable.

Here's my new much deeper sink and faucet.  In hindsight, I would have preferred for the tile to run around the upright area behind the sink for continuity but I won't fret over it.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new sink!!!!

Back to the scout's honor stuff.........  Please PLEASE post your opinion on cabinet knobs and other stuff if you so desire.....  Drum roll, please.................... 

Knob #1.......

Or knob # 2............

Stay tuned for regular updates.......................