Kitchen Ideas!

Since we'll need to start making decisions about the kitchen once the house is framed, I thought I had better start getting some of my ideas down on paper...or on the blog.  I think for this new kitchen I really want to go simple.  Shaker style cabinetry, probably white for most of the cabinets with a dark island.  Something like this picture below.  This is kind of the style that we had in mind.

I love the style of these cabinets, simple yet stylish.  I also love that the cabinets aren't all matchy-matchy with the island cabinetry.  The color of the wood floors in this picture is also nice.  Not sure about the lights over the island.  I don't want it to look too "industrial", but we are planning on stainless appliances and probably brushed nickel or stainless faucets, etc.

The original plans called for an island like this one.  But we think we would like a large rectangular island with bar stool seating down one side and plenty of storage in it instead.

Love how they incorporated wine storage and a wine cooler into this island.  I think I might like something like this in the end of my island that faces the dining room/eating area.

Some storage for cook books on the other end would probably be a good idea since this kitchen won't have a desk area in it like our current kitchen has, which is where I store them now.

I can think of lots of uses for the end of an island like this!  Cookbooks, glasses, decanters, etc.

Are there things in your kitchen you would never be able to do without?  What are some things that you love about your kitchen or hate about your kitchen?  Do you have special storage for things like a stand mixer or other small appliances?  If you have any suggestions, I welcome them!!