Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands are a challenge. I have never had one and I didn't realize they are so tricky. The new house kitchen is the first image - the real estate image from the online listing. The owners spent a ton of money in there and the cabinets really are lovely - and I like the simplicity of them - some new, less modern door pulls will make them just fine forever. The counter tops on the other hand... I am sure the granite was a fortune - and some people (don't let any husbands read this!) would cringe at this - but I will eventually have to replace them. Imagine soapstone - a nice dark color - thick and solid. The backsplash will be an easy way to liven it up - I will post on the separately.
If I get my druthers someday the island will be reshaped - more of a rectangle. The cooktop is back there - so it will have to stay and can't all be open like these ideas - but there must be some hybrid we can achieve. It is hard to even find pictures of what I truly like - it's going to be hard to figure - which is good since it sure isn't going to happen any time soon!
I love open shelving but I think I will save that for the little house in Coronado - the dark countertops are lovely with all that white. Perhaps it would be too dark with the caramel colored wood in the new house? I like the industrial style stools in the next two images - but I think they will work best in the "art room" I am going to make upstairs. The tile backsplash in the fourth photo is the style I like for the outdoor balcony floor! The last image is my favorite - so gorgeous. It reminds me of the farm table we had as out checkout counter at the Acoma store - I always wanted that piece. I think Billi Springer bought it - at least it went to someone with good taste.

Obsessing

It is almost impossible to stop obsessing about all the details of the new house even though we are not in it yet. I suppose it is only natural considering the alternative is to slowly and methodically finish the packing... much more fun to pour over images of light fixtures, fireplace concepts and ideas to make over the kitchen island, (which I may possibly get to do in about a decade considering there is nothing actually wrong with it except for the fact that I don't love it as is...)
SO - ideas abound!

The pendant fixture is Moroccan brass - I am thinking of hanging it in the front entry so the light plays over the stairs and gives the house some immediate drama.

The fireplace is currently a generic stacked stone that does not go with the Spanish roots of the house. I think the most faithful style would be the first image here - stucco with a simple wooden mantle and arched insets. I love the European stone surrounds, however like in the next image. These are so pricey if actually done properly, however and I am afraid it may be a little formal for the house. The simple surround with the zellij tile, however - well, no surprise that I like that one!

Finally I have a basic open kitchen island photo here - I have always liked these. I don't think I can get away with this in the new kitchen - the range is in the monolithic thing now... but we will see!