Something that would help (and likely garner more reviews and useful comments) would be to make a measured drawing and post it on this forum. (Photograph it and put it up in webshots and then transfer image to here. Instructions on how to do this in the "New to KF, Read Me Thread that floats on this first page or two.)

You can also put some of the pics here, too, to increase reponse. Try to lighten them up out of courtesy to those with bandwidth issues.

You have raised many issues. One you did not touch on is this: Are you planning on keeping the woodstove and is it (or can it be) hooked up to a dedicated, sealed outside combustion air feed? If you are going to add more than very modest (I know this because I heat my early 19th c (northern NY) house only with air-tight woodstoves, one of which is in my kitchen. I couldn't tell if your woodstove is modern enough to have a designed-in option for outside combustion air. If it does and you can connect it up (and keep good gaskets in loading doors) that may take care of the woodstove combustion air problem. If your stove is older and does not have the combustion air option, I recommend replacing it as part of the reno because its needs will conflict with fan's dedication to moving air out of the room. Even standard room makeup air fittings may not be enough to handle the amount of venting a burning woodstove needs for safe operation.

But even if you get combustion air on your woodstove, you still might be required by building code to add make-up air to the house. This always seems absurd in any old house, because as you undoubtedly know, even the best efforts to tighten them down are doomed by the reality of the old construction techniques. Actually I really like my relatively "leaky" house, but in the case of high cfm venting I wouldn't use it w/o having all open flame appliances supplied with direct air, particularly those in the same room.

The good thing about outside combustion air is that it vastly reduces the draftiness that most woodstoves create as they suck air into the house and out of the heated room up the chimney. Combustion air provides the stove with its own private fresh air. Also helps (modestly, but still noticeably) with the extreme atmospheric dryness created by woodburners.

I look forward to seeing your drawing. There's lots of very helpful people here who will chew on it and make useful suggestions for you.

L

Hope to get some input on a color scheme that will fit the age of the house for counter,backsplash and cabinets. The KD discouraged me from white cabinets,black counter, white subway tile.

I'm posting a link to the room layout as requested. Thanks.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Bath layout

If you want to fit the age of the house, I don't know that I would go with quartz. If you want painted cabs, I'd consider a soft buttercup yellow if you stay away from whites. I can't imagine that you meat pound on the same counter as you roll dough without using a meat board of some kind so what about marble or wood for the 36" section. Are your floors hardwood?

remodelfa,
The quartz I was looking at was a marble look,but I think you're right quartz might not be fitting. I was talked out of soapstone.
When I pound on the counter, I use a thin, dishwasher safe thin plastic cutting board. I have one for veggies,meat, poultry. I do my pastry work on a Tupperware pastry sheet.
My counter now is formica.
My floors are wide pine boards, natural color.
Thanks for your suggestions.

Too bad you were talked out of soapstone. I heart my ss. Also... a french gray would be lovely.

Remodelfla,
Mmmmm no decison has been made on the counter. Should I rethink it?
I guess because I use a lot cast iron cookware and give the counter a lot of use, the KD discouraged me.
One of my dream kitchens is Paula Deen's new one.

Here is a link that might be useful: Paula Deen's kitchen

I wouldn't give up on soapstone yet. It's very "period." Is your KD concerned you'll chip the counter, or does she just assume you won't like the patina that a soapstone counter develops? I'm not by any means one of the soapstone experts on these boards, but post some questions on that and you'll get great advice. Apparently different types of soapstone (from different parts of the world) have different properties, so you'll want to choose one with the right properties for you.

Also, for a cheaper (and harder) option, there are some black granites that look very like soapstone if you choose the honed finish.

I think the KD is concerned about chipping.

I just did a search and found a great deal of info on Gardenweb from some of those you mention as experts. I'll definitely do more reading about it.

We looked at a few honed black granites,but then the gal showing us through the warehouse said honed shows fingerprints. Geeze, I wasn't getting positive feedback on the things I liked.

I have had soapstone for 6 years. It sees a lot of cast iron on a daily and weekly basis as that is my primary cook pot. I do a ton of baking and use my cast iron pots for my bread. I have not had any chips at all from that. I did drop a vintage bowl and got a gouge in the top a couple years ago. I never oil mine and love it that way. It has developed a dark color due to all the baking and kneading etc. I have an 1890 home so think it would be appropriate to your home too. You can see a lot of pics of it in my photobucket albums...look under Finished Kitchen and food picture albums...here are a couple samples on the soapstone:

cast iron pot for bread:

Here is a link that might be useful: photobucket album : kitchen and food

We have a schist from western Mass. It reminds me a lot of a cross between soapstone and granite. It's held up very well over the last 6 years. I do have one chip around our sink but that's it. We use a lot of cast iron but it tends to stay on the stove.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ashfield Stone

You sound sort of sad that the KD talked you out of SS, white cabinets and subway tile.In fact, your favorite kitchen ( Paula Deen's) has SS and off- white cabinets. I think you should follow whatever makes you feel really happy when you look at it. I hesitated when choosing cabinets but in the end went with off white inset because thats what I had always been drawn to and I'm so gad I did. (I have a lot of cabinets and could afford to lose the space with insets.) Now I'm at the counter stage and am pretty sure I'm going with SS- the hardest variety I can find. From what I've read on GW it's all about the kind you choose and even more importantly the finishing skills of the installer. The only granite I've seen on this site that might come close is antiqued Nordic Black but I haven't seen it in person yet. I think you should consider what your KD is saying, but in the end go with your heart. After all, it's your kitchen!

Cherylmass,

Welcome to GW. You have a wonderful space to work with.
Very exciting!!!

YES, rethink your ideas on countertops. You are in
New England and can easily find soapstone. On top of that
you love the look. Soapstone is a chef's friend, that
is why Queen Paula Deen uses it in her place.

Chipping??? It will be worse with a quartz, laminate or
even granite. The repair will be harder to do. But
soapstone can often be sanded down by you. Far easier
to repair if on ocassion you violently bump it with a
giant pan. And Soapstone is sturdy stuff. It is not
as fragile as some may believe. The right soapstone can
work for you if this is what you love.

I too agree with Skyelily24 that you should get what you
love. This is YOUR kitchen to enjoy and create. Don't
be rushed.

I have honed granite called Virginia Jet Mist. I wanted
soapstone but feel in love with Jet Mist. SS can be pricey.
Jet mist looks similar to soapstone but works like granite.
I have no issues with finger prints or oil marks...

Here are some links about Soapstone.
~boxerpups

Soapstone wear and tear questions GW
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0616035313041.html

Life with Soapstone GW
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0815275631359.html

Soapstone questions GW
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg072015087866.html

Here is a link that might be useful: Virginia Jet Mist pictures

Great choice in cabinetry! I live in Lockport NY where Candlelight Cabinets are made! I love the English Linen color with the Creme Brulee wipe off! I would personally go for an inset style on a house like yours!