You know, I saw those and considered them. Just not sure how the brown is going to work with the grey of my island....

I will absolutely consider sheet glass!

As far as budget goes, I can't honestly say. If I really fall in love with something, I'll spend more (like I did with my platinum blue star range, and hood- but got cheap with my home depot cabinets :) )

Good! We should discuss sheet glass!

Layout: I would go for glass from the windows down on the window wall, all the way up the range wall, and you can do either for the fridge wall...mirror the window wall or the range wall depending on the color you choose

Color: You could go for a frosted neutral for the window wall then continue it on the range wall, or you could opt for a translucent frosted glass (or opaque white glass) under the windows to keep that stark, white, clean, and go for color on the range wall alone.

Mixed Media: You can also go for glass under the Windows and tile on the range wall if you want something less smooth, more textural.

I think the wood of the stool would punctuate your space, but then I'm viewing from afar!

Tell me, are you thinking neutral, like the grey below, or are you thinking brighter, more impactful?

Love your kitchen and floor. I think an accent backsplash would be my choice...but subway tile rules right now. Here's an idea..

http://www.houzz.com/projects/33269/cherry-hills

Choosing a backsplash can be overwhelming! Here is
a great article: A
Backsplash Guide

The glass idea is wonderful! I like glass behind the stove area - ease of cleanup! But will that break things up enough for you? Maybe a nice sheet of glass on the stove wall going a foot wider on each side of the stove and then tiling the rest - maybe same color glass - the grout lines will add interest... Obviously you didn't want wall cabinets but I would consider a nice floating shelf to the right of your ref... you could also paint the walls a beautiful saturated color and sheet glass the stove wall only... that would really make your windows pop - they are getting a little lost in the white...

I found some nice pictures... you could look into large glass tile - that could break things up a little but keep a sleek look... I think you could go the opposite direction as well and do an interesting textured stone splash and mix with the glass ... Ugh no wonder you are having a tough time deciding!

Whatever you decide, make sure you love it and have fun figuring it out! Good luck!

Thanks everyone, lots of food for thought.

I think the glass option is the way I'm going to go. Maybe with the opaque around the window and near the fridge, and then do a more elaborate pattern like the Ann Sacks glass that Nicole posted for the range wall?

I think the glass option would look fabulous with your clean lines.

I love the design of the 1st stool that Debbie posted. If it were in my budget, I'd consider it for my own kitchen (also cool whites and greys), but more of a transitional style with shaker cabinets.

Is your style more modern/contemporary or transitional?

Definitely more modern/contemporary. But I want my stools more industrial/rustic.

I love all the stools posted, but I also don't really want to spend more than 300 per stool (i need 6). I'm gonna take another look at RH since there's a store close to me.

Wonderful! It's a beautiful tile, and laser cut glass is a great option to pair with sheet glass. Other options include encaustic or hand painted ceramic tiles. Let us know if you need help chosing.

I love that RH Toledo bar stool. If you sign up for the gray card, you get 25% on all regular priced items. It's $100 a year, but it can quickly pay for itself.

Here's a budget version of a more rustic stool, not sure if you prefer to have backs vs. backless. It's the dakota stool from Target:

I also like this stool, found on Houzz

Style Counter Stool, Ash · More Info

I showed my DH the stools and he mentioned back support and a swivel option. The kitchen is open to the living area so he wants to be able to sit at the island, but turn around and face the fireplace.

I'v been going through the stools here for the last hour. I really wish I could see some of them in person. Really tough to make a choice without actually seeing them.

No need to make a choice without seeing them, and I wouldn't recommend that at all. Buy one, see it in your space before you buy the other five. And yes, back support matters! A little cushion might be nice too.

I know this might not be what you had in mind, but it's cute, cheap, cushioned, swivels, can be adjusted for height, and it's modern looking...clean lines, white.

Contoured seats can be surprisingly comfortable. This one swivels. It's not rustic enough, but maybe a molded wooden swivel-y seat is a direction to explore.

Thanks everyone.

We're going to check a few out in person this weekend. I'm thinking the first one from RH that eam44 posted may work, just in a different color combo like this one.

Big question (from my hubs ) is does it swivel?? lol..

I'm also thinking the floating shelves idea that Debbi Washburn/ Ashley Kitchens and Bath mentioned in a white wash might add some character? Or is that too rustic for such a modern kitchen?

decisions, decisions..

I am currently shopping for replacement bar stools. We just had our kitchen redone and need to replace stools. We live at our kitchen island and never use the table unless we have guests.

In my opinion, swivel is a must for a couple of different reasons. It is hard to slide a bar stool in and out because usually your feet don't hit the ground while on a stool. Swivel allows you to leave the stool stationary and just swivel in and out of the seat. It's also nice to be able to swivel to see the TV.

Also having a back is nice if you plan to sit for any length of time.

It's hard to buy online because you can't tell if the stool will be comfortable and return shipping on a heavy stool can break the bank.

I'll keep watching the thread. Please let us know what you decide on.