thank you very much to everyone who responded! I'll look into espresso and charcoal grays. As well as the steel backplash. Emmarenes, I'm living abroad in India, and the only granites in my budget are the local ones. I was advised against the gray and white local ones because i was told that they would not hold up well in the kitchen. I could have gone with a black galaxy as well but i have that granite now and despise it because of the way it hides ants and bugs so well. we live in a tropical area and there are always critters here and there. My first choice was a Brazilian white granite but it was triple the price. This granite is called Shiva pink, so it has a pink salmon and gray look to it. Im really hoping I don't hate it once it's installed. The stoneyard was a 9 hour trip up and down and i was just pressured to make a choice after several undecided trips. And I'm getting new cabinets put in. but I think I can wait for them to put the slab before staining the wood. Thanks for that idea :)

Hello Aishwarya, The curtains need not match your sofa fabric. It will be an overkill. Please go with light colored curtains with hints/patterns of blue. Instead of two transparent curtains have two layered curtains the inner one (sheer) allows day light inside and the second layer cuts down all the light. You may go with full height curtains rather than window height ones. Thanks, Amit Cornerstone Designs Bangalore

Do you have children? A washable sofa cover with a design will look cleaner between washings.

Hi Murthy, See from the window reflection in your kitchen, I think that you've got the glossily finished tile for your kitchen. I hope that it's not glossy tiles and probably the light effect in the photo. What kitchen countertop are you planning to select? Select cabinet color in accordance with the kitchen countertop material. -Thanks -Neelam -Lines and Profile