Of all the things I've considered, that wasn't one of them. Thanks for adding your fresh perspective! It's definitely something I should take into consideration because, yes, there is a corner.

I like the first backsplash. The small herringbone is too busy for my taste.

More importantly, what about the hot elephant in the room?

Your stove without a vent hood?

You have only a microwave which may have one of those piddly vents below it which doesn't do much at all.

You need a proper vent hood above your range.

Most people duct it outside.

They do have ductless types that have filters that need to be frequently changed, please ask Sophie Wheeler to tell you which she thinks is preferable.

Both need hood vents.

To my knowledge, neither can have that microwave over the range as you show in your plans.

Relocating your microwave is easy, and then you can get a regular microwave, which is much less expensive than the type of microwave that has that inefficient "vent" beneath it built in.

What is more of a sticky wicket is where your stove needs to go, because it needs to be in a place that a ducted hood can be placed. (There are code issues involved that are waaay above my pay grade!)

That needs to be discussed with your general contractor and kitchen planner (if you used one.)

Again, this is something Sophie Wheeler might comment on, since she is on this thread and very experienced.

I never really thought about this issue before because every house and apartment I've lived in has had the same setup (microwave over range). I guess I should take a look into this a bit more! Thanks for bringing it to my attention

Sure! And about your countertops- are you quite sure you want something black and glossy that will show every fingerprint?

If you like black with a bit of veining, how about real soapstone?

You can pick out the slabs to get the veining you like. And oil it as much as you like to get the glossiness and darkness. too.

Are you working with a Kitchen Designer? Or a cabinet salesperson?

Not sure at all haha. We thought about that a little, but didn't think to look what other people were saying about theirs. Guess we should investigate that a bit too!

Actually, I've only just learned what soapstone is today! It seems like it could have some potential as a dark option

Well, we were thinking dark counters because...well...everything else is white. Not off-white, but white. And we like that.

However, when looking for countertops, we found that most granite/quartz we found had more of a cream color mixed in. We were hoping for something with either white or neither (only other colors; none that look like a shade of white).

This is just a matter of my own finicky preference...I'm just not a big fan of off-white next to white. That's why I included the other 3 countertops above (although all are dark too)...although they contains lots of colors, none have a strong presence of white/off-white.

Any thoughts on colors?

Yes Sophie, we are. Apart from working on the design, we are doing none of the work ourselves. Really, it's for the best! Haha

They have been incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of the construction, fabrication, etc...but we still are seeking outside input on the design and aesthetic appeal.

Hi James-

I'm confused-

"Yes Sophie, we are." means what exactly?

Are you working with a NKBA certified kitchen designer?

Or someone from the place from which you are buying all your stuff, and that person is designing your kitchen too.

Hi loobab. The first comment I made was directed to you, and then the second comment I made was directed to Sophie Wheeler (the person who posted after your comment). She asked if we're working with a kitchen designer and I said "yes, we are."

I've never heard of NKBA, so probably not (?). We are currently working with 2 companies: one is Lowes, the other is a local contractor who has been recommended to us by both a family member and a good friend. In both cases, the whole project--from design to installation--is handled by each company's team.

Hi James-

You can look here-

https://nkba.org/info/certification

After you read it so you know, you can send an email to your general contractor and straight out ask him if he is a certified kitchen designer, and then if he says yes, look his name up anyway on their website.

It just seems odd that he never discussed the venting issue with you if his specialty is kitchens.

So, no, you are not actually working with a real Kitchen Designer for sure, and not even a well trained cabinet salesperson. You have box store gal who worked in Paint last week, and a contractor who doesn’t know anything at all about design. Does he at least have a contractor’s license? Insurance? References?

This seems like a very big and complicated project. The longer you spend thinking about how the mechanics of everything will fit together and work, the more I think you will realize that it might be best to get top rated pros to help out.

A past president of Harvard, Derek Bok, once said, If you think education is expensive, you should see how much ignorance costs.

When you work with trained professionals you are paying for their education and experience. When you are winging it on your own with subpar help, you will pay for everybody's education- your own included. In the end, you will spend the same amount of money- possibly more- if you go it alone.

People come here for all sorts of help and reality checks. You are doing much more than just laying out a few appliances and cupboards.

Perhaps you could read through lots of threads here and see what other people have experienced as a means of preparing yourself for your project.

Good luck with your project.

Just throwing a random thought out there as I'm building a house and just finished finalizing (kind of) our kitchen. I'm also doing pure white cabinets, and I'm planning to do quartzite counters (natural stone, stronger than granite, looks similar to marble). We love the look of it. I know it's not dark, but just thought you might want to see another option. I'm adding 2 pictures of Super White Quartzite one is darker gray and one whiter. Good luck! I know this can be super stressful!

To me the black quartz you show seems as if it is possibly trying to imitate soapstone? Personally as a fellow homeowner (not a pro) I would just go with soapstone if you’re looking for a timeless look. To me— I adore the look of soapstone, but the black quartz does little for me. Its not color, but sheen that I think I’m reacting to.

Sophie, I think that the people we started with were exactly the kind of you mentioned. For Lowes, we were originally at another store, and switched to a different location for that very reason. Now we're with a guy who has been doing kitchens at Lowes for the last 11 years. We could immediately tell that he was miles ahead of the "box store gal" we had at the first location. And yes, for the private contractor, he has been in business for 20 years (with another 15 years as a custom cabinet maker before that), and did the kitchens of a family member + a friend. They were both satisfied with his work and professionalism, and he seems to be quite knowledgeable. Yes, he's bonded and insured.

Thanks Rita! We're doing our best with the budget we have. I know there is a huge difference in prices out there...our current estimate is about $30,000 for the whole project. However, we have also had an estimate of $75,000 from local private kitchen design company, so I know the range can be truly great.

That looks really nice Liana! Do you know when it will get installed? I would love to see some pictures of it with your cabinets

Something like this, rebecca_adia?

I just learned about soapstone yesterday, so I haven't actually seen it in person. I've added it to my list :)

YES! :)

My kitchen cabinets are supposed to be delivered the week of April 2nd (fingers crossed), so I'm hoping the trimmers can get it all installed by mid to late April and then they'll template. I'm seriously hoping by the end of April or beginning of May. I will post pics!

I hope you're right Liana! Waiting is the worst. I look forward to your updates!

30K for a project of this scope is completely unrealistic. Either you are putting in stock crapinets off the shelf, or your contractor does not know what he is doing. Or both. 75K is by far a more a realistic number.