Suz, yes, we have the same counters! Why does that not surprise me? It seems very popular at the moment - hoping it will not be totally dated because it's a craze! I am really loving both the looks and function (was finally able to cook AND eat dinner at home) - something about an inviting kitchen is soothing.
And Shannon, I'm so happy to see how you described it through your eyes, because I told my husband I wanted a "rustic modern edgy" kitchen, and he thought I was nuts. I wanted the homey warmth of the hickory without the typical down-home country lodge aspect and instead a more streamlined graceful look. Hope that's coming across!
Ramya, my mom and I did a little Ganesh puja - never heard of the boiled milk. But it will happen - hot cocoa is always on the menu!