Once you narrow it down to what type of stone you like, if it is Granite or Quartzite, you will need to go to view entire slabs and tag one. Do not pick from a store small sample, other than quarts, because the slabs are each uniquely different. Also good idea to bring with you a sample of the cupboard color you will be painting and a sample of the new flooring, or you can pick the flooring after to better go with your counter and cupboard selection. Good luck with your reno.

@RMI - Rebecca Mitchell Interiors - Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! My journey to "the perfect" table has been long, so finding your post gives me hope. :) (I know, first world problems.) Could you provide any insight on a $ investment range on this piece (or Hickory White, in general)?

Thank you everyone! Not sure why this has gained attention three years later... but certainly nice to hear.

Assume you can move the door anywhere. Assume the entire wall can be removed. HOW do you want the whole house to FEEL? Open space changes things. The worst of the kitchen aside from you "sliver" is the plop you are in it aspect. Space is defined by traffic patterns. humans have to move through a space without obstacles in their path. Based on a human form, that is really NOT less than 36 inches. You really DON'T want an inviting dumping ground with mail and phones dumped next to any cook top or range. If you are going to move walls and doors? Move them, and create a sense of entry. Blow it up once and get something for your money. That front closet at entry? It has NO business being there. Nor do you want to open a front door for guests, into what is now a kitchen/dining/breakfast. So you add some wall, and you must STILL evaluate the loss of "privacy" from the street. None of these are small considerations, and you still have the budget restriction. and a planned ten year stay. In the end, it depends what you want. how you live, how you want the house to feel,and what you are willing to pay to get the aforementioned. Period. Entering and exiting ANY home has to be considered. PLOP .......is rarely a good answer. Public space and private space, open/closed , and formal,vs. informal. Transitions........outside to inside. Think about it. Still need a front closet? Use two feet of the "pantry" . It's all you had and a four/ five foot reach in pantry will hold quite a bit. It's not JUST about the kitchen and the "sliver," is it? Nope. It is not. ( and yes, of course you can slide the range to the right just a bit. You need a trash pullout. Everyone needs a trash pull out )