I still have a couple little tweaks but for the most part the kitchen is done.  We are loving the new island already.  Here is what we started with.

It isn't terrible, but that is a lot of wood in the same tone.  I was not a fan of the green walls either.  You can see remnants of the faux finish in the adjoining hearth room too. It was nicely done but so late 1990's (even though this house was built in 02).  I didn't want to spend a fortune, so I used the same space plan, had the cabinets painted, updated the lighting, and switched out some appliances. I still want to trim the fridge out and put glass in a couple cabinet fronts, but I need a break. I am tired of the contractors.  My painter used Rustoleum Black Satin in a can from Home Depot.  It has worn like iron with no chipping for over a year.  On the island we used Sherwin Williams All Surface Enamel in oil.  This has worn ok. I had to have the cabinet door that houses the garbage can resprayed.  In addition to extending the island I also had the base trimmed out to look more like a piece of furniture. This is how it turned out.

See what a can of paint can do?  We are loving the new Thermador cook top and Bosch dishwasher too.  I am very happy with how it turned out and that Leathered Black Pearl granite is amazing.  Doesn't show anything and it is so unique.  I have some new counter stools I've designed in production at the factory, but I'll have to wait a couple more weeks for them to be finished.  I figure when I get tired of the turquoise, I'll switch the lights and have the island painted, for a whole new look.