Issue link: https://nest.uberflip.com/i/1208934
elevate it a bit with a pattern and a slightly darker grout to bring interest and depth. This turned out to be a great suggestion; I went with the classic subway tile and had the guys put it in a hound's-tooth pattern with a light gray grout. They charged extra for the additional labor this pattern required, but I absolutely love how it turned out. Another great suggestion that I received was to choose a different color for the island than the white for the other cabinets. I went with a light gray that ties in the white and gray in the counter tops. While skeptical at first, I am really glad with the result, the juxtaposition gives the space more character and warms up the stark white. of my long time wish list items—a coffee station. But alas, I have to plan ahead if I am working from the dining table that day. With all of the outlets that are required per code (I asked) the home does not have enough power to use 2 at the same time. I have to turn on the coffee maker, make a cup for that moment, then make another cup to put into the shallow fridge (if I can find the space). If I am so bold as to have the coffee maker going AND my computer is plugged in, it shorts out the system. Of course, it then makes no sense to have 9 outlets in the kitchen if only one can be used at a time. To hide these unnecessary and abundant outlets, I have strategically placed plants and whiteboard chore charts in front of them. It helps somewhat, if only for my frustration. One of the upgrades that I chose apart from those included with this kitchen layout was under cabinet lighting. To me this was worth the additional cost as I use these early in the morning to ease into my day, and late at night when we are winding down. These lights give a warm glow that balances the blue undertones of a mostly white kitchen. The stainless steel farmhouse sink, and upgraded faucet were well worth the price since this room is the center of our home and we spend a lot of time here. White subway tile has been a sort of bucket list item for me, but in the design meeting I panicked—the basic white seemed so.... plain next to all of the other colors. The design specialist suggested that I go with my first love—clean and white—but