I showed Alan a picture of a light gray kitchen a couple of weeks ago and he said he liked it (better than the black bottom cabinets and white uppers). So, perhaps we go that route? The thing is, I'm not sure it works with our reddish flooring. But ... our flooring is cracked and coming up in spaces so maybe we just go whole hog and do the flooring, the cabinets, the countertops, the sink, and a fan? God, I don't even want to think about how much that will cost.
Looking at these pictures I notice that with the exception of the brick, all have wood floors. Interesting. Apparently that's a style I'm drawn to (and didn't know).