I do not like the look of accent tile behind a range I did have to go look up Austin stone . It is limestone sounds pretty bullet proof and for use behind a ranhe can it be sealed since limestone cna be a bit porous and one pot of spahetti sauce overflow can a real mess . As for the actul use of the stone who cares if is not to the imaginary next guy . Like many thingss indesign I like error on the side of simple it lasts longer and looks classic. The hood usually 30-36" above the range deeper is better and I really dislike wood hoods they dicolor and gretgreas no mater how good the venting . I still think the best quality stainless hood you can afford with the right CFM is the best choice .

This is a last century design exercise. It reminds me of the high end totally dated kitchen at Biltmore. Too bad you're retaining the flooring. European Oak wide plank could be the foundation for a comfortable casual update to bring this house into the current time. DOCA classic line cabinets and a 36" Miele induction range to be announce at the upcoming KBIS how in Feb. DOCA will also be at this show open to the public in Las Vegas. Booth N3427.

Chevron instead of herringbone.

I’m trying to understand your house plan image. Is this seriously the shape of the house? I feel like we’re being pranked.

In terms of design durability I would use as few different materials as you can - simple ages very well.

For me, the window is the wow factor so I would not play up the wall behind the range (but I’ve never understood the wow backsplash - seems so random)

Discipline around material choices will pay off later for sure - looks like it’s going to be a lovely kitchen!

Too too. Everything. The 18 different focal attempts. The out of scale to the room choices. That house plan shape. Just wow at the inefficiency and extra cost for a "cool" shape from overhead that never translates to real life use.

Many comments regarding the house layout - inserting a few pictures to clarify. Our house is at the end of a cul-de-sac with a zero lot line - just enough room for a small pool and dog run (first time posting - do not know how to delete duplicate photos).

We have painted the entire house and the orange oak railing is gone - now black metal. Photos are from realtor site at time of purchase.

.The garage was not shown on the diagram - I have drawn it in, and added a few pictures from when we purchased it this fall.

Responding to all comments at once - thanks so much for taking time to weigh in.

1. The layout actually works well - added the garage to the layout above to remove the question about house shape. It is a wedge as it fits onto a zero lot line cul-de-sac and the layout works well when living in it.

2. I hear the comments about limiting materials - based on the feedback, I see the consensus as carrying the countertop up the wall behind the range. This was an option we considered and I agree it would be a lot 'cleaner'. Materials then are cabinets, countertop, tile around window, and floor.

3. The only comment on hoods was relating to ease of stainless steel maintenance. We have had multiple homes with SS hoods and I want to do a concave painted one (drawing is convex) - the 'shell' can be replaced separately from the insert if it does not last. We only plan to stay in the home 10 years.

4. I saw comments regarding the window being the focal point - I did not see any about the material. In the example photo, limestone subway was used which I am considering.

5. Beams or no beams - without the stone, beams may be too rustic and add another material, although dark oak beams would match the circular staircase wood.

6. We are debating the floor - the LR, DR, Kitchen, and foyer are marble. We plan to clean and regrout the tile; replacing it with wood would cost an amount rivaling the kitchen.

It's hard sometimes to recommend materials from a rendering as opposed to a real photo.

Is the limestone anywhere else in the house or would it be a veneer just in the kitchen?

Everyone is different, but I would skip the stone and go with a consistent low key tile that works with the floor (the floor is such a dominant element in the room) -

personally I would not tile to the ceiling around the window, I know that approach is trendy right now but I don't see it aging well (again that's just a me thing) - What about running a low quartz ledge along the sink wall just beneath the window?

Are you working with a kitchen designer? Have you brought a sample of your floor tile to the quartz slab or a sample of the quartz home to check with your floor? That marriage is the most critical and should be carefully coordinated. I say no to a rough stone in this kitchen knowing your floor will remain.

The macaubus white quartz seems like it will be too white white knowing your floor so just checking that you have done your homework. A good kitchen designer would walk you through all this and much more.

Personally, I like the layout and brightness of everything. I might either continue the tile from the window, or maybe use a wood look similar in color to the beams. Herringbone or chevron. is interesting but often gives me a headache because of the optical illusion of the design. Maybe just a V or diagonal for movement? It doesn't matter so much about the hood. If the other elements are done for interest, then the hood will "disappear". Good luck!

Not sure it matters much - do what you like and want to look at when you stand there and cook. Repaint the grey cabinets to a nice pastel color. The kitchen is too cold and modern and needs to be warmed up.

I've used the same stone as my counter top and it looks amazing and it's a breeze to clean . the slab goes from counter to ceiling and it makes quite a statement. My counter is a granite that looks like quartz. I've found in past kitchens that the tile grout discolored after several years and it is tough to keep it looking new . No issues with a slab !

Regarding the tiles around the window , I find it looks too busy especially against the crown moldings , for my taste , and I agree with the other comment about a ledge of the same material as the countertop. Sometimes less is more" (Mies Van Der Rohe).