Marianne, you can always install gas burners next to an induction cook top and have both.

http://homeappliances.files.wo.....ooktop.JPG

Gas isn't as easily available where I live, I would have to buy a gas flask and store in my house. And change when it's empty. So I'm not sure I'll bother with the gas. Anyway, it seems induction gives just as fast and sensitive regulation of the heat as gas. But there's no hiss and flames, of course

Bigi, I'm sure you'll love your induction. I've cooked on one at a friend's house, and while it didn't excite me, per se, it definitely worked well. Gas isn't that common in the area of Canada where I'm from, either- so it might become an option for me too, if I move back to that neck of the woods.

Marianne, so funny that you linked to Colour Me Happy! I love that blog- read it all the time. Actually, if you check out her most recent post, there is a kitchen (not the first pic, but her client's space) which I really like.
http://colourmehappyblog.blogs.....binet.html
Very chic and modern but fits in perfectly with what I imagine is an older house.

Oh, and I'll echo Tam- stainless steel will drive you crazy if you're one of those people who likes things spic and span all the time! It's easy to clean but shows fingerprints like nobody's business. Having said that, it would still be my choice- I love the industrial/serious cook vibe it has!

I really like that kitchen, Ele! Something very similar would work for us, just with slightly warmer colors (and maybe paint the walls a little brighter). I really like the way she explains things like undertones and how to combine and manipulate colors - at least for me it's very helpful,, since I am completely incompetent as far home decor goes.
I also noticed the floor is marmoleum. That's what we have now, and I thought it's not common anymore.
Thanks again! Feeling a lot less overwhelmed