Kitchen... happenings

We've wanted to make changes to the kitchen since we moved in over a year and a half ago!  We've talked about them several times and we are FINALLY beginning...

Let me share our ideas:

• The wallpaper was my least favorite.  It's this weird orange/gold color with a rattan/bamboo like pattern and texture on it (not exactly something that I enjoy looking at each day).  T doesn't seem to mind it as much as I do but it is definitely on the list of things to go.  We plan to just have someone come in and take it down once we save $$ because after the whole bathroom wallpaper fiasco we learned just how bad the condition of the drywall really is... BAD.  We plan to paint the walls a neutral gray.  
• Knock down the upper cabinets over top of the stove to open up the area and make the long kitchen feel MUCH more open and inviting instead of having two square areas.  
• In order to knock down the cabinets we must do the following first; need an electrician to put an outlet in the pantry for a microwave, purchase a microwave, purchase a ventilation hood, install hood, and repair wall.  
• If the wall is in TERRIBLE shape we have discussed the option of putting up board and baton to cover 2/3 of the wall creating a "shelf" with molding for leaning pictures.  I like this idea regardless of the condition of the wall but I'm sure T would rather not have to do this, lol. 
• Window Treatments for both windows.  I just have to finally bite the bullet and order one of the many fabrics I've fallen in love with online but cannot track down in Raleigh.  Once I get the fabric I will make cornice's for both windows.  
• Seating option.  We originally wanted to build corner booth seating, purchase a table and chairs, and call it a day.  T decided against building since he feels it would limit the room when we go to sell the house (No, we are not even considering selling, but one day we probably will 8+ years down the road).  Instead we decided to get a counter or pub height table with industrial style stools.  The table took us a while to both agree on the same one, but finally style and price drove us to purchase the Brooklyn Work Table from World Market for $ 206 (after taxes).  We could've paid $349, but we waited until the table was marked down 30% off, we received $30 off due to a minor scratch on top of the table, and then I had 10% off coupon from the paper.  I learned from YoungHouseLove that there was a school supplies website called School Outfitters that had a great deal on industrial looking stools, they were $33.88 a piece, EACH!  That is an awesome deal!  They are ordered and will arrive in about two weeks.  

$33.88, from here. 

This is the progress we are working with as of today... 

Once the stools arrive we'll figure out the final placement for the table.  It might move around the room a few times before it finds its permanent home, but that's what designing a space is all about!  We look forward in the months to come and watch the room become ours <3

PS.  I found the new Fall/Winter Edition of Domino out at Target tonight... I was more than excited when I saw it on the magazine rack!!!