Kitchen Solved

Thanks to all of you who emailed me or commented on my kitchen problem. Kim, I just love your kitchen and it really helped to actually "see" a solution. I have decided to place my sink in front of the window and the stove on an adjoining wall.
Bids are coming in and we hope to break ground in September. In some ways it seems like a long time, but some days it seems like tomorrow.
I'm starting to pick out flooring (wood and stone) and some paint colors. I LOVE dark wood but I'm scared of the upkeep. Does anyone have dark wood out there? Please tell me about your experience.