Thanks y'all! I'm still considering the curtains. Scotchguarding is a great idea, especially because it isn't fussy fabric. I do think they would look a million times better if they were hung properly.

Dh announced he "hates" brass pulls. sigh. We are officially experiencing renovation fatigue. I want him to love the kitchen too, but at the same time I'm the one who does 95% of the cooking and cleanup for a family of four.

OK, need to get practical with the checklist:

* create kitchen lighting plan (I have another thread about that)

* get new quote for fabricated grey-stained oak cabinet fronts (matched grain)

* investigate DIY methods and costs for grey-stained oak cabinet fronts

* find out if Restoration Hardware has selected counter chairs in stock

* organize countertop templating

* switch out drawer pull to steel one and live with it a bit

* get quote for autobody shop painting of pulls

* decide about curtains

* work on storage plan for cabinets now that they are installed (drawers not functional without fronts though).

* start patching small holes in walls

* research trash bins with appropriate dimensions

* find dream spice jars

* figure out where phone, fire extinguisher, stool, and Bose SoundLink Mini will go

* source u-channel for sliding closet door bottom tracks

* prep metal front door for painting

* ask husband whether island base can be cut to put toekick drawer under cabinets

* go through all pantry supplies, clean mason jars and new lids, toss outdated items

* put shelf liner in all drawers

* Craigslist various items

* spoil husband rotten because he has been working sooo hard

* stop being so ADD

Sounds like a good list, lol! I am sorry for your fatigue. I am ready to be done and have only been at it a few weeks, I can't imagine the place you are right now.

And an update.

Dh installed the base cabinets for the island on the weekend. It is pretty wild to finally see my layout design implemented! I have achieved the airy look that I was hoping for. Let's see if I can actually store my stuff though!

It's interesting how standing at the island facing the large window and room feels like a satisfyingly "commanding" position - like being behind a bar or podium.

We have made an unconventional choice. Our perimeter worktops will be the standard 36" from the floor. The island worktop will be 3" higher to have a zone that is ergonomic for my 6'2" husband. He is a "weekend warrier" chef and I'm hoping that he will love cooking in our new kitchen. That puts the island midway between standard counter and bar height, necessitating adjustable stools. I think the island will be a good "standing desk" height for me too, for when I am using my computer while standing up, which I like to do.
We've picked this stool - to be accessorized with "bum pads":

*Why* don't they show stools like that from that back? That's the only view that counts.

Here is a link that might be useful: Restoration Hardware Vintage Toledo Bar Chair Distressed Black

Feisty - I love that chair. Glad I didn't see those when I finally bought mine. I really like the curtains too. I think your kitchen is gonna look fabulous. Progress can be slow, but you're getting there. I completely get the reno fatigue. I'm still working on the ever present 10% and find it increasingly difficult with the weather changing. Heavy sigh...hang in there!!!

Thanks for the encouragement Mgoblue85 :) . I'd love to see your kitchen...any reveal yet?

I like your list better than mine, feisty!

That chair is cool. Perfect for being able to adjust to fit your counter height. Great choice.

Are you from Texas, by any chance? I noticed a "y'all" in one of your post. A Texan myself which is why I noticed!

This post was edited by bicyclegirl on Mon, Apr 28, 14 at 22:24

Oh no bicyclegirl, sounds like you need help with that list?

I like the chair because it's a reproduction drafting chair. Being in my mid-forties I remember when drafting still existed. Dh works in building design so he does too.

I am not a Texan, I'm actually a Canadian. But to me the South is very cool, hence the y'all ;) . I don't come by it honestly, though.

There's been a bit of a breakthrough in figuring out how we might DIY the cabinet fronts. Looks like Rubio Monocoat products may create the look I'm going for - see the little square pasted onto my inspiration photo. I have a separate thread where some fabulous people pointed me in the right direction.

And here's the latest mood board - sorry about the crummy resolution.

So, countertop templating was done this morning. I was surprised how casual the process seemed. I guess they do a lot of the detail stuff on site when they install. Made some last minute changes like flush sink reveal - recommended by fabricator, and 1" overhang beyond fronts - also recommended. He didn't seem too worried about the 15" island overhang - recommended two 6" extending brackets just to be safe (if kids are hanging off the overhang). Bummer was that there will be a seam. He said the "L" shape would be too likely to break during transportation. Dh will not be pleased. The good thing, though is that the seam will parallel the movement of the grain. It's kind of annoying because we're paying for 2 slabs because we specified no seam. We're still getting the pieces as if there was no seam, but there will be a seam. Sigh. I find it stressful how many details are involved, and I'm really worried about making a mistake. On something that costs $4000.

Hi feisty, I read thru all of your post about getting the "driftwood" look. It's gorgeous & glad you found a way to do it. There were some wonderful posts that sounds like you could call on for help during the process. I know you'll do a great job. I love your idea board w/ those cab's. Everything is coming together so well. I know you'll breathe better after the counters are installed. You're almost there! I'll keep my fingers crossed your seam doesn't look like one! Best of luck!!

Thanks for the encouragement bicyclegirl! After 2 months of being "mid-reno", I'm tired of the mess and losing steam. Need to push forward!

They just brought in the island countertop and placed it down. I finally get to see my granite in MY kitchen and I love it!! I was worried the River White would be too busy but it looks great and it's reflecting the light beautifully.

Takes five guys to manhandle one of the pieces. Wow it is tricky work to maneuver it into place where it is bounded on three sides. There is no wiggle room because we are not planning to have a backsplash.

Dh is getting tired and frustrated with all the annoying wiring and fiddly work. I hope the countertops will give him a boost!

They had to notch the drywall on the right side to fit the long piece in place so that the fridge gable can butt up against the counter on the left side.

Looks like the corner cabinet will need an inner bracket to support the counter as well - especially because a seam crosses it (not originally planned for).

Darn, the counter overhang is not consistent - varies over 1/4". They are on a coffee break.

Just before epoxying the seam they went on a coffee break and I measured all the overhangs. They are inconsistent by over 1/4" . Ugh. I am having them reposition things right now. They are hacking into the drywall to make things fit. Hoping it all gets sorted out.

There is a mistake that probably won't get fixed - I specified a shorter overhang at the end of the cabinet run but they made the same overhang. Whatever.

I was really stressed about today and I guess this is why. If I hadn't caught this I'm not sure if I would have been able to get it fixed. Lots of pressure. Strange that they wouldn't measure stuff like that before epoxying.

I like the polish on the granite a lot more than I thought I would. The sun is shining today and there is a lot of natural light bouncing off the island counter.

As I wrote in my other thread - of course they are blaming the walls and cabinets - but all of those were in place when the templating was done. The big boss came briefly and managed to correct the inconsistencies to be within an acceptable level - I think and hope. He defended the installers' work, but he also shifted the angles of all of the countertop pieces to make the overhang depth consistent, the counter depth consistent on either side of the range, and to make the range opening width consistent. The installers just didn't have their measuring tapes out much at all.

They are still epoxying. I hope they are not rushing because of how long this is taking. They want us to add a bracket to support the counter under the corner cabinet because the seam is there and the cabinet doesn't have solid support at that point.

The countertop looks beautiful. Love the movement. And the bouncing light is so wonderful. Good luck with the rest of the work.

I don't love the seam, but I guess I can live with it :/

My first impression: what seam? It will look even better with time and distance.

Thanks Jennifer. It isn't noticeable from a distance.

They just left and I just realized they didn't mount the sink! I had to get the office to call them and they are driving back now.

Here's my little kitchen not showing the fridge (which is just to the left of the sink). Hood needs to be moved, range needs to be pushed back, cabinets need fronts, and drywall and painting need to be done obviously.

It's beautiful - i can see why you love it. Glad you were prepared today.

I just realized that they didn't round the corners either - even though I wrote it down and gave him a diagram. That granite isn't attached to the island at all - just sitting on top.

Edited to add - the granite is actually glued down to the island cabinets, I just didn't realize it.

This post was edited by feisty68 on Wed, May 21, 14 at 18:53

Feisty, beautiful kitchen!!! And what seam?!! :) It all looks great so far.

On my peninsula, I have one radius corner and one at 90 degrees. If I had it to do over, I'd have both be square corners. I only did the radius because my former counter had one. I like the look of squared off. Hope you do too.

It's totally coming along! Fabulous :)

It's beautiful feisty! What the others said...what seam? Seriously, if you hadn't pointed it out, I would not have noticed it. I'm glad they came back to get the sink attached. Crisis averted! You did a great job being prepared & it shows. As I said on your other post, you're getting closer & that has to feel good. Your list is getting shorter....& my list isn't moving!! I look forward to seeing more soon.

By the way, I think the squared off corners will go better w/ your more contemporary look than the rounded ones. Things happen for a reason. I bet down the road, you'll look back & be glad they're like they are.

This post was edited by bicyclegirl on Wed, May 21, 14 at 20:48

Thanks for the comments Romy, Bicyclegirl, Firsthouse, and Linelle! I'm glad that people of excellent taste like it :-D . It's so exciting to have a design vision come to life on this scale!

I think they could have made the seam less noticeable if they had been willing to smudge in or mix in a bit of the lighter coloured epoxy, but they weren't willing to. It's not something I'm going to freak out about though.

I actually love how the corners look...I was just worried about my rambunctious children who run around when they aren't supposed to. Oh well, maybe I DO have to train them ;-) . (They are 8 and 10 for goodness' sake).

It's looking great! Progress, yay! The seam is in a good spot, you can hardly see it, it blends with the pattern.

Thanks MGMum - I agree that the fabricator picked a good place to make a seam. There were other areas of the granite where a seam would have been more visible.

Feisty68, I had to look several times to see the seam. I think it looks very good. I LOVE your granite choice and the way your beautiful kitchen is coming along. I also like the square corners for being part of the modern vision. You are so blessed to have a window over the sink.

Your kitchen and one other I am waiting for to be finished to help me decide what I am doing with mine. I had to take time off after my tax season to find a car that fits my very small size. Now I need to get more extensions done and then with your inspiration kitchen and the other few on here, I will finally make a decision. I wish I was handier and had a partner to help me in decision making. I seem to date men that are not that handy or committed. Maybe things will change this year.

Oh I am so glad we got a look! It looks great, and I agree about the seam. I had to look hard to see it! Starting to look like a kitchen now, how cool is that?

Looking really good!!! Agree with everyone else...you can hardly tell there's a seam. That's a great location for it. Can't wait for you to be finished- bet you can't either!!!

I have never been poked by the square corner of my peninsula. It's a non-issue. Your kids will figure it out. :)

Love your counters! And I really like the square corners. Maybe that was an inspired mistake!

Thanks for the comments Lynn, Greenhaven, Mgoblue, Linelle, and Edb2n!

I do like the square corners. It will be interesting to see if the kids get head injuries ;) . There are quite a few issues with the granite install detailed in another thread.

I feel like I'm far off from the finish line because I'm not even ready to order cabinet fronts yet. That needs to be the priority - final measurements - because I assume the doors will take quite a while to fabricate.

The counters do create a big jump forward towards it *looking* like a KITCHEN :) . But right now I'm back to having no sink, dishwasher, or range. I don't want to touch the counters because they need more sealing. The sink needs more caulk. Sigh. Making dinner will be an adventure.

It's really looking good. I hope you love your granite choice, as I do. Mine's been in more than a month, and I'm still admiring it :)

Thanks Errant! I am very pleased with my granite choice. Although it has a pattern, it is very peaceful looking and that really works for the feeling I wanted to create in this kitchen.

I managed to find a pic of your granite - I guess I missed a thread about it? Or a reveal? Gorgeous! It's cool that it's "seam friendly" ;) .

Wasn't able to read every post in the thread, but read most. I love the clean, peaceful, openness of your design! The countertops were a great choice as well.

I have a couple thoughts, although I don't know if all of it's been covered or it's past that point. Have you considered extending the soffit to the end of your lowers?

I think it would provide a bit of balance / alignment and why the uppers looked a bit lost in your earlier renders.

JDE24, I'm glad you like the design :) .

Extending the soffit is something I haven't considered so thank you for that thought. That may actually work well on that wall - to make it more symmetrical and extend the lines. OTOH, in the rendering below it definitely adds to the bulk of the whole hood nonsense. I think the extra soffit looks nicer from the kitchen entrance view than from the dining/living area view.

Another other idea was to remove the soffit and just have an exposed duct - that was an idea that dh had which I kind of liked.

side note to Lynn -

I was on the dating scene not too long ago so I know what that's like (after my ex suddenly left me). People show what they're made of over time, so be very patient as you get to know them. Be yourself and don't be afraid to turn off people who aren't a good fit. Few people these days are capable of commitment because our society promotes a "shopping"/disposable mentality when it comes to relationships. Commitment comes from deep within and you have to know a person's character and past to know whether they are capable of that. You can see that in how they've handled past relationships, friendships, jobs, and business arrangements.

My current husband and I found one another through non-dating channels. Because it was long distance we had a chance to get to know one another deeply with no pressure or expectations. I'm a lucky woman.

I can tell you that having a partner to "help with decisions" isn't always convenient though ;) . Handy-ness can go either way too. I haven't had a sink or range or dishwasher for three days now because dh is too busy with work to hook everything up. When you aren't handy and don't have a handy spouse you just hire someone and get-er-done :) .

I didn't do a reveal because I'm not completely finished. I want to get the dining area spruced up, first :)

And yeah, I love the flowing movement in the River. Peaceful is exactly the right word for it. I was actually considering going with marble because all of the granites I had seen looked so busy, cluttered, hectic, even hyper to me. I was really glad to have found the two slabs of River White, and love that it leaves me with so many color options when I want to change the cabinet color.

In that case I am looking forward to your reveal Errant!

Because I am trying to showcase art in this room, I didn't want the granite to be a focal point. Here's the largest piece - it just got shipped to me across the continent. My mother is the artist. It is two panels designed to be hung in the corner - it will be at the other end of the room from the kitchen. It's the painting that was the design for a large mosaic that was installed at a bus station :) . Ironically (because of the granite) the piece is called "Quarry Pillar" - here's a mockup of how it will look when hung (plastic on the right is covering the wall TV), with mocked up curtains (together the panels are 44" high by 8' wide):

This post was edited by feisty68 on Fri, May 23, 14 at 17:54

Now that we have counters that maybe I can USE tomorrow (I have not had counters for 2 months and 3 weeks), dh got all impatient to have counter stools :) . Just ordered these. Not cheap but we wanted something very sturdy (kids) and it has to be adjustable because the island height is halfway between counter and bar height:

Restoration Hardware
Vintage Toledo Bar Chair Distressed Black

In other news, I tried out the Rubio Monocoat Urban Grey Precolor with the Rubio Monocoat White Oil on a red oak hobby board. Both were quite easy to apply. The precolor has a similar consistency to thick paint so I brushed it on and wiped it off. After letting it dry I brushed on - then wiped off after 5 min - the White Oil. The finish is now looks nice and matte and water beads on the surface. Where I tested the White Oil by itself I can see that some of the wood was dirty and would have needed to be cleaned properly (they have a product) for good results.

Dh was happy with the overall effect. I think the grey is a bit too dark and blue so I am thinking of mixing the Urban Grey with the Mint White to achieve a better colour for the granite. That means ordering another sample bottle from Georgia.

This is promising!

The photo below doesn't show how beige/green the granite looks IRL -

Wow! Your mom's artwork is amazing. That is a wonderful centerpiece for your home. I look forward to seeing all of the pieces hung in your space.

The cab stain/paint looks promising.

I agree removing the soffit could look clean if you didn't have a visible L. Exposed ducts might look good. Extending it allows the flexibility to add uppers that look built in later if more storage is needed.

Look forward to watching your progress!

Your Mom's pieces are beyond words. They are spectacular and are the showcase. Everything is so tightly put together and coming along beautifully. Your River White is beautiful and the perfect backdrop to your Moms artwork. My Mom was an artist also and I cherish her pieces that are throughout my house.

Can't wait to see more of your space to come together.