I also don't think you'd need to change the slate in the entry. Does it have a color you can work off of and love for the kitchen? If you don't think light painted cabinets will suit your taste or lifestyle, then don't use them, or use them sparingly and do the rest in a wood. There are so many colors and species of wood to choose from. ...Or one of my favorite kitchens is one of Crown Point's 'Early American' kitchens done in black painted cabinets with a combo of wood and grayish granite counters...So light colors are not your only option with paint. I've seen 'Colonial' done in reds, greens, and gray blues. What other colors are going on in your house (on architectural elements as well as your other furnishing and decor)? What other color of wood? Is all the trim painted or wood? I think that besides continuity of style it is good to have continuity of the architectural detail colors, like on wood trim. Keeping it simple is good advice, since that always seem to better stand the test of time and fit into more types of styles and decor. If the builder wasn't fanatical about doing authentic colonial details, which would give you cues from which to work, I wouldn't worry enough about the integrity of the 1970s version as to limit all of your material options, like granite color. You just want to avoid styles that will jump out as being different from the rest of the home...as if you've stepped into a different house. But you should have the flexibility to allow your own personal preferences and style to shine through. Here is a link that might be useful: crown-point black kitchen

OK. How about something like this. The island seating would be on the DR side out of any work areas. I could also put a microwave in the island. Not sure yet about the wall support so for now there is nothing but I assume between the kitchen designer and architect (engineer?) they will tell me what I should do to make sure my house does not fall down. I guess I would prefer to NOT to have columns but I am guessing that would be a lot more expensive. Not sure what and how to layout cabs in the island. This is what I came up with so far. The micro could be in the cab facing the dishwasher wall. I could put fake fronts on the cab on the LR side on the left. On the cabinet side facing sink I would put long handle to hang towels as I hate having them on the stove handle now. Thank you.

No expert here, but the layout is confusing to me. What are all those dark, shaded blocks--new walls? It seems to me the traffic flow through your original kitchen would be better, but without knowing what you are trying to achieve here, it's hard to say. I'm right handed and appreciate having my dishwasher to the right, but plenty of right-handed people will tell you that having it on the left isn't a problem at all.

You’ve made charming choices! The island lighting is perfect. One of my favorite moments is the curve of ther counter stools repeated on the mat for the dog bowl. You must be thrilled with the outcome. I’m looking forward to seeing the custom cabinet doors and a light without glare over the sink. Nice!! I always like to see the before and after right next to each other.