My answer is based upon what I see on my jobs, which often involves a collaboration of ideas based upon client needs and desires. I don't always see the practicality in what people are asking for, but we try to give people what they want. I will usually speak up if I see a train wreck coming, but for the most part kitchens are based upon individual client feedback. Here is a top 5 list of what clients have been asking for: I have seen a lot of kitchens drawn with two islands. Not sure where this trend started, but of course this only works in very large kitchens. I personally would rather see an island and an eating area. The two island concept is for familes that do a lot of large scale entertaining. It works well for catered parties when a kitchen staff is present. A lot of clients are asking for wine refrigerators, in addition to regular refrigeration. Sometimes these units are in the regular kitchen triangle, sometimes in side rooms or butler's pantries. Glass tile is very popular right now. There are great looking, newly introduced options at the tile stores. Also, clients are seeing these options and bringing pictures of various glass designs and asking, " where can we put this". I do like the glass trend, it's a very practical choice for backsplashes and creates a nice transitional look. Kitchen faucets are being introduced with great new features. The pull out faucet is very popular and always on client's wish lists. There is also the newer "touch technology" which I think was made popular by the various cooking networks. Moen has what they call MotionSense, which basically is a sensor that is activated by a touch or a wave of the hand for " hands- free" convenience. Finally, I get many clients asking for a blend of styles. Right now we are just finishing up a kitchen where the homeowner wanted a vintage/modern feel. She had a beautiful, restored vintage stove that she felt strongly about re-using. I was actually surprised at how well this turned out. It's really my favorite thing in the kitchen. There are many modern elements like cork flooring, two dish washers, huge fridge and freezer all combined with this shiny, white vintage stove. It worked, I was surprised. That's my top 5 list. I look forward to seeing other ideas. Thanks for the question. Charmean Neithart

stealman8, we have basically the same tiles on our website: susanjablon.com. We don't have a mosaic blend exactly like the one pictured, but we have the individual tiles, and you can combine them in your own way using our mosaic designer: http://www.susanjablon.com/designer/mosaic-designer.html. The tiles themselves are different types of silver mirror tiles. We also carry tiles of this same type in lots of different colors. You can call or email our studio for any assistance.

You are kind to say that, Julie. Hubby also washed and polished the floorboards in the two rooms we decided to retain. They look much better as well. This has been fun project; don't quite know what I'll do with myself after it's completed! :) although, in saying that, there is the garden here to keep us occupied...!

Your kitchen, do what you love. The style police won't be raiding and deducting points. But before you do make a decision make sure you check out the beautiful range of knobs and handles at Hepburn Hardware. https://hepburnhardware.com/ They are pricier than Bunnings, but you get what you pay for when it comes to cabinetwork hardware. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls and Dr Retro Virtual Visits.