Oh, the kitchen is so close to being done! I think this is a good time to share photos, as the next time I show it there will really only be a few decorating decisions left!
Let me say I am IN LOVE with my kitchen. Honestly. My husband SHOULD be jealous. If you are in the Toronto area and you are re-doing your kitchen, call Edwards and Wilson Cabinetmakers. They are the pinnacle of craftsmanship, they take pride in the smallest detail, and they are all around good people. I could not be happier. (Yes, a custom kitchen is an investment, but not as bad as you might think. If you're going to be in your house more than five years, then I would really consider it.) Although we had strong ideas for our kitchen, it was definitely designed by our amazing architects at Lieux Architects. You'll see more of their work in the basement...once it's finished. :) I don't think we would have made it through this project without Robert and Nathalie of Lieux Architects. They kept us sane, saved us money, and gave us a more beautiful space than we ever could have achieved on our own. I would also recommend them without reservation.
The LIGHT that fills this kitchen now. It's wonderful. I used to have to turn the lights on even in the morning in this house, but now the light just glows. *sigh*
In this next photo: My backsplash is comprised of cheap Home Depot subway tile, and Carrara marble mosaic tiles. I love how the subway tiles reflect the light, and the stripes add a little pizzazz to the wall. The counters here are Cararra marble, too, and although I thought they would be a pain to clean--- they are not. Not so far. We re-used the stove and range hood from the old kitchen, as well as the tap.
This next shot gives you feeling of how open the space is now-- no wall between the living/dining rooms, the island, the glass door, and of course the HUGE picture window that makes me so happy. Today I watched the girls play in the backyard while I loaded the dishwasher--- which would have been impossible with the old kitchen.
The island is walnut with St. Laurent marble. Ironically, this has been trickier to keep clean. We're getting some rings and water marks. I'm working on it. This is definitely the hub of the kitchen and it sees the most traffic. We eat here most of the time, too.

Here is the reverse angle: We now have stairs to the basement where there never were before. (The stairs used to be in this awkward shack off the back of the house that took up half the backyard.The stairs were steep and dangerous, too. Having them here is a vast improvement!) You can see the dishwasher and microwave here that we also re-used. I had no desire for new appliances, save for the fridge. I still love, love, love the marble on the island. It is unique. It will get an amazing patina with age, and every time I look at it I see a new fossil. Apparently the great big one at the end is 250 million year old coral. love that.

Next is the pantry side of the kitchen. We kept it clean and flat to almost feel like a wall. From left to right is: the broom closet, double pantry, desk space with open shelves and framed cork board, and wine rack with filing cabinets below. The architect called this "The Swiss Army Wall" because it opens up to do so many things. It's not even half full yet-- lots of things to move into those cabinets!
And finally my very favourite shot:

Two little monkeys sitting on bar stools, eating goldfish crackers. I can't begin to imagine all the meals we will have here. All the talks. All the arguments. All the laughter.
Worth. Every. Penny.