The one thing I HATE about my kitchen remodel - buying a sink with a built in soap dispenser. Small, yes, in the grand scheme, but that thing has been a pain in my butt since day 1. It clogs constantly, creates a big mess, and promotes MORE soap use than less. We've given up now, and it just sits there. Since there is a whole for it, I can't just take it out.

We built the counters in our kitchen ourselves (OK, DH did it all - I did nothing). We used 12x12 granite floor tiles that I fell in love with. They were on clearance. Seven years later, and I still like them. The only thing I don't like, necessarily, is the grout - it's starting to chip now, but I think we could just regrout. I have NEVER sealed the granite. It is dark, unstained and doesn't show the dirt.

Oh - and I LOVE my pantry. It's a small walk-in, and it is the most AWESOME. THING. EVER!

We have wood floors since the area is open to my living/dining room (another thing I love). They do mark if you drop something on them, and they are light, so show the dirt, but I wouldn't trade them either. The stainless appliances are a challenge, but you can get some that LOOK stainless, but really aren't (we had a Frigidaire fridge that was like that - loved it!). I have black appliances in my vacation home, and like those better - I don't care if they aren't the trend .

I also have a counter height peninsula. This gives me lots of space to spread out on the counter when I am cooking/baking. HAving the counter higher would have divided the space too awkwardly.

Lots of good suggestions here, but ultimately, go with what YOU love. As I said - seven years later, and I am still excited about my kitchen, even with its flaws .

SheFly