This is a render of a proposed remodel for my kitchen. I used Vlado’s Universal Settings for the most part.
Settings:
Direct GI = QMC (100%)
Indirect GI = LC (75%)
Reflective and Refractive caustics enabled
QMC sampler settings:
Adaptive Amount: 0.75
Noise Threshold: 0.002
Color Mapping: Exponential (Dark/Bright = 1.0)
Render time: insane (9.5 hours for 1200x900 res)
Comments and suggestions (even if it’s “Get therapy”) are welcome.
Sweet render Frances, i like the atmosphere you created, congratulations.
nice material on the top counter, can you show us how you created it?
thanks
Marco
I’ve enjoyed all of the work you’ve posted here and on your website, and this is no exception. A really great render, relaxing space, and wonderfully balanced composition. The reflections on the wood surfaces are excellent too.
I don’t pursue architectural work myself, rather I’ve been learning to use 3D to help me realize my goals as a painter. (Essentially, for creating preliminary ‘source material’ for paintings in egg tempera and in soft pastel). At any rate, I’d like to point out that your work, and that of several other members here, were specific inspiration for my decision to buy VRay. I hope to eventually reach the quality of light that you achieve, in my own work.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Very very nice! Maybe a little more light coming from the window. Or if you have it in a floating point format increase the exposure.
VERY nice render.
I only have the feel that i wouldt hit my head if i turned it to fast in there, it feels a little crowded or maybe its due the the tall chairs, somekind of scale issue.
Ptr
Thanks everyone. 
Peter, here is an earlier render view from the other side. The space is rather small and currently is not used very efficiently. I didn’t post this initially because I didn’t like the lighting of the view from the window.
Mark, I 've got a render going right now, but as soon as it’s done, I’ll get the material settings for you.
I may as well add my original proposal (to convince my husband).
Beautiful. 
I really like the chairs. My sister has almost the same ones.
Your work is always inspiring.
Regards,
Mike
Thanks Mike.
Ok Marco,
Here are my settings for the stainless, which I modified from settings I found doing a search here for brushed stainless:
VRayMtl
Diffuse color value = HSV (0,0,60)
Refl. glossiness 0.85
Anisitropy -0.5
Falloff map in the Reflect slot (100%)
- Falloff first color HSV = (0,0,97), second color white
- Falloff Type: Perp/Parallel
- Falloff Direction: Viewing Direction (Camera Z-Axis)
Bump 20 % Noise Map in slot
- Noise Size 1.0 Regular type
- Color 1 white
- Color 2 HSV = (0,0,70)
Of course, be sure to apply UV mapping to your objects.
not relataed to the visuals which i like a lot: i suggest you move the stove further away from the cupboard
you will probably have problems with splashing fat and liquids ruining the wooden surface
same goes for the wooden counter behind the stove
that is - if you are actually cooking in there
right now it really looks like a design project for people that go out for dinner all the time 
oh, more light above the stove wouldnt be bad, too ( i only see 3 neon spots)
other than that - i would take the kitchen myself
mike
Frances nice work. Your woodfloor material is kicking! Only critique I would have, and its a small one, is maybe a bit more bump on the bricks. Other that that amazing work as always.
Much better spacial feel with the other render, I do agree on the light coming from the window crashes a bit with the rest of your lightning.
but they are very nice renders, thank you for sharing.
Love the work. I found using area lights even with low subdivs sent the render times flying using the universal render settings, but i still like them and will play around with them to get better render times.
Thanks Mike. We cook a lot. And we saute a lot. The surfaces around a stove area are always going to be high-maintenance. We can move the cooktop over, but I don’t know how far we can go with the existing exhaust fan location.
Thank you so much Frances, ill add your steel to my matlib right away.
best regards
Marco
Hello Frances,
I prefer your last creation which give more way to choose in the kitchen, the island is like a circular point from where you can turn around, eat around or “drink” around 8) .
About the image, nothing special to say exept a very good sweet touch of lighting like all your render hehe.
May be too much wood for me but it’s my own opinion.
Share your photos when you’ll have them!!hehe
that stainless material rocks, Frances! Thanks for sharing the settings!
ME
Thanks Matt. Here is a link to the topic where I got the metal settings. I think I changed them a little.
http://www.chaosgroup.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10887
A very talented guy named Keith, who works with Percydaman came up with that mat.
neat and very good looking images. even though I agree that maybe the window in the second/earlier view might still need some work, I think I like it more than the first one.
little late joining this post but great looking images there Frances
Nice work Frances.
Texturing and materials is nicely done, and all the wood grain is going the right way!!
My only comment would be the balance between artificial lights and natural daylight coming through the windows.
The natural light would be much stronger illumination and more pronounced, casting stronger shadows than the interior lights.
Otherwise, excellent images.