Of course, the project ended up being much larger in scope than we initially envisioned - we originally talked about just replacing everything in the kitchen in place, without moving plumbing or walls. Then our architect showed us how it could be so much better... and he was right.

The reorganization of the space makes both the kitchen and living room feel bigger, and the difference in usability in the kitchen (just look at the amount of counter space compared to original) is amazing.

I'd be happy to answer any questions.

We kept a blog to document the trials and tribulations (thankfully now a distant memory as we hang out at our new island) of the process. I intend to post to finished kitchens blog soon.

Blog: http://daninaustin.blogspot.com/

DETAILS

Appliances:
Dishwasher - Kitchen Aid, stainless steel, KUDC20FVSS

Fridge - Kitchen Aid, side by side, 25 cu ft, stainless steel, KSCS25FVMS

Range - Whirlpool Gold, slide-in, gas, GW397LXUS

Microwave - Whirlpool Gold, over range, GMH5205XVS

Countertop: Affinity solid surface, Linen

Sink: Domain Industries 50/50

Faucet: Hansgrohe Metro with SS Optik finish

Backsplash Tile: Lyric Lounge Penny Round Mosaic Tile

Cabinets: Mid-Continent, Slab doors in natural cherry.

Cabinet Hardware: Omnia 9153 3/4" in SS.

Exterior door hardware: Omnia Lever #12 in SS. Epitome deadbolt, SS.

Pocket Door Hardware: Linnea L-100 edge pull in satin nickel, Sugatsune 4" flush pull in satin nickel.

Flooring: Home Legend Bamboo - Toast

Paint: Sherwin-Williams Sedate Grey

Living Room Lighting: Lithonia Lighting L3R with halogen bulbs.

Kitchen/Dining Lighting: Halo ET400R with halogen bulbs.

Laundry Room Shelving: Rubbermaid pantry wire shelving.

Windows: Andersen 100 series.

Doors: Exterior door is Simpson Performance Series. Not sure about the new pocket door.

I would thoroughly enjoy living and working in your kitchen.

The penny round backsplash is one of the things that people comment on the most when they see the kitchen in person. Full credit to my wife who really championed them (not that there was any pushback).

A quick backstory: in 2002 I was the first person to rent the house, then bought it in 2004. Before I rented it, exactly one family had lived in the house, and the father had done the design of the house (in the 50s). His son, who I bought the house from, comes by to visit and say hi once a year or so. I can't wait until he sees it. When he saw the pictures he said "if it wasn't yours before, it definitely is now." Ha!

@ jakabedy - thanks for including a link to the "finished" photos in our blog. I can't believe I forgot to include them. It's included at the bottom here again.

@ dianalo - here is a link to a blog post with some good before pictures:
http://daninaustin.blogspot.com/2010/03/start-of-construction-destruction.html
This other post shows it before it was open to the living room (with all our junk in the way, too):
http://daninaustin.blogspot.com/2010/01/before-pictures.html

@ florantha - our architect was the guiding force. He took a lot of time and worked with us to help narrow down material and color selections. I was really tempted to have "something" with color - either the countertop, backsplash, or paint, even though there wasn't anything specific behind it. He helped push us towards something lighter and floating (that architect-speak sounds so cheesy, but I think there's something behind it). The point was made that the subtle selections elsewhere would bring out the natural beauty in the cabinets, and we feel that it does work that way.

@ pampilset - thanks, we were hoping that it wouldn't look ridiculous with the rest of the home. I think the subtlety helped - space age modernism may have been a little too much for this old house.