Here are a few inspiration pictures. While I like the island in an accent color, I'm concerned it will be too distracting. I really like this first picture, but the plate rack will be going between the range and wall oven.

So...what do you all think about the island? The color? The butcher block? Also, with the delft backsplash and creamy white cabinets, do you think this blue countertop would be too dark? It would really pick up the cobalt blue of the woodstove :)

This kitchen has the blue island, but while the tile backsplash is striking, it's a little too busy for me. I'd prefer something like this...

Here's my favorite picture, showing the dark blue countertop...and my more affordable idea to get a similar look :)

And here's the woodstove and my overall plan (with the kitchen) Thanks for looking and I look forward to your input!

I have been looking at my kitchen with a critical eye lately and was going to take some pictures to show you. It seems I have an unconscious desire for blue and white also. I never realized I have so much of it, and when I look at what I will change with the re-do, the blue and white stays.

I am a real stickler for countertop space. Based on the measurements in your drawing, you seem to have enough countertop space to work with. Therefore, you can concentrate more on design than function for the island top.

I love the butcher block top. It wouldn't take away from the beautiful countertops and backsplash, and will still give you that country french look you are going for.

One idea I do have for you is to consider using ceramic tile for the countertops AND backsplash, to keep that country french look. There an example of what it would look like in the link below about half way down the page.

Marti- What blue and white do you have in your kitchen?

KD- The ceramic tiles are great for the backsplash, but they are a little uneven on a countertop...and the grout can be hard to keep clean. They are beautiful, though :)

Here's the two laminates I've been considering for the perimeter countertops. While I like the blue, I don't know if it will feel too dark, or choppy, with probably white appliances. The cream/white is very nice, too, I just think it might look too light. Both of these are available with the solid edge, so no dark line along the top! What do you all think?

I'll have a white sink, too, so maybe the creamy/white would blend in better. If I use that for the perimeter, then the blue or butcher block would be on the island.

For the faucet and hardware, I'm hoping to use an antique brass finish...something like this finish, but not necessarily this exact style...

I also have the countertops in the pantry and laundry room. I've been thinking of using cream in the pantry (another white sink) blue in the laundry room/desk area...and maybe cream, or fake marble laminate for the hall bath vanity. Any other ideas?

Thanks for your input and suggestions! :)

And Lavender, I do NOT recommend ceramic tile for the counter top. The backsplash is another matter, but I think the seams on the counter would be a big issue with cleaning. I personally like Silestone Quartz, chosen to coordinate with your color scheme of course.

And the butcherblock would be a nice island surface.
I do think you can have SOME open shelving in places that are not as visible to passersby. Between the range and the island is the area least visible, also the end which is facing the sink cabinet. I think that doors on the cabs under the island bar side should not be glass, due to folks especially kids, kicking their feet or looking for a spot to rest their boots comfortably while sitting there. I do not recall how deep the overhang is where the stools are situated. Are those going to be swivel stools with backs?
Make sure that little folks have some surface on the stool where they can rest their short legs, not swing them into the glass cab doors if that is what you use.

and I'd want glass on bookshelves but ML is right about little ones... I won't have them because I know they'd be covered with dog hair! ugh!

I think that first blue BS was too busy also - like the 2nd one.

if it's table vs island w/shelves, why not have a table/island combo? with shelves on the end? how about plexiglass?

good catch ML!

Good luck pulling this house together....you are undertaking a huge task returning that farm house into your new plans...but you can make it happen, if anyone can.

Phoggie- Are you going to have an accent color, behind your white pitchers? What colors do you want to use in your kitchen? And, thanks for the kind words :)

As for the open shelves, I really like the way they make everything so accessible, and give the kitchen a more vintage look IMHO. I would love to have a plate rack, bookcase, maybe some pegs for mugs and display above the upper cabinets. They're ALL dust catchers, but they do add a lot of charm. I have some of those now...and while they get dusted a lot, they're my favorite parts of the kitchen!

I love your blue and white....so charming!

I can wipe off shelves, repainting them is easier with no glass to mask to get a neat edge. I can always put the dusty glasses and dishes into a partially full dish washer if that becomes a problem.

I too will have before I'm done, an open plate rack. I have several styles saved to copy.

Were you the one who got me addicted to HOUZZ? I see their albums every day, and have my own idea books there. If you do not subscribe, I suggest that it would be a good way to organize YOUR ideabooks.

Marti- Isn't that beautiful? It's Summerfield's software and I don't think anyone knows what it is...and I know many of us have asked. Since I wouldn't know the first thing about using it anyway, I'm just thrilled Summerfield has been gracious enough to draw up the plans for me! :)