Just another shout out to "Stay the course!" It's SOOOO frustrating when you're close to the end and you want it done (especially with Christmas around the corner). But think of all the Christmases ahead of you when it's done RIGHT and you LOVE it. Please, please don't settle. And do NOT cut off 6 or 9 inches or whatever stupid number they came up with.

TJW is right about a possible book match seam being perfect for your island.

Standing with you!

I'm starting to think you need two slabs for the island. You can get a slab the size you need for the top, but you won't have enough for the apron fabrication.

If you email me, at manganflo@gmail.com I might be able to help you find product you want. I have researched around the greater Houston area and there are some great options that might work fir your island.

Annastacia- I might be putting the cart before the horse here but have you looked at New Ravenna (manuf) for backsplashes? They have beautiful tiles where if you find one you like as a statement it might take you in a different direction for the island countertop. I'd put their link here but all that will come up when I go to their site is their home page. Hoping you will have better luck if you decide to explore.

I found another backsplash that might interest you. Simple but has a handmade look (maybe they are?).

https://www.natucer.es/en/producto/serie/cotswold

We think alike! I have been rethinking my backsplash, and I have been looking at the fire clay tiles, I love the natural look, and think it will help add some softness, now that there is so much contrast between the cabs and stone. I am contemplating throwing some colour in the mix...I find the white a little boring, but I can always add colour with accessories, which is a better choice long term...But I love the idea of a pop of colour in there as well!

Definitely a solid

I love color but I think in the long run you will be happier going white. I just feel that with your range hood design and herringbone pattern floor that having a color backsplash is visually going to be too busy and overwhelming and not add that softness you want. I think if you go with the "shiny & handmade look finish that it will give you a nice contrast but won't take away from the real stars in the kitchen And truthfully, I can't believe I said all this as usually I'm like, another white back splash!!! Ghezz... LOL...

Here is a better visual that is comparable to your kitchen finishes (but imagine with your flooring and hood).

On another thread a Designer mentioned this company. 2.5 x 10 runs about $12. a foot she said in this particular style.

http://www.alysedwards.com/collections/31/tongue-in-chic

This may not be popular but maybe it’s time to hire a designer to help finish this off. The designer can look at what is in place (make sure they understand what is place is final). If they take the job you would be asking them to bring say 3 suggestions for finishing e.g. sample for island, backsplash and finishing decorations. They would have the dimensions thus should not bring back suggestions that can’t work. I say this because you have spent so much time and effort that you might be to close. Another set of eyes from your area might help finish this off. As for cost, put a dollar figure to your time and you would be surprised.

Again just a suggestion to help reduce your time and frustration. Love what you have done so far. I will keep following for the finished kitchen

I was going through my remodel papers and see that our Taj Majal slabs were big enough for your job. I'm just saying there are slabs that size out there.

I’m going to pull a bunch of tiles and set them up in the kitchen, and see what pops. I do love the clean look of the beveled subway as well, and in 10 years, it will still be classic...

Back to the slab, I did the big drive again to all the stone yards, and for a stone my size, and 3cm, I have very few options. This is what I am left with, without having to cut my island, or seam it..an imperial, an azul macabus, and a white super...

They are all gorgeous. Still like the Super White for your kitchen. Safest choice for sure.

The super white is the only one that does not look blue. I'd have to choose it.

It's funny, before you posted the Super White, that is the color I was thinking for your island counter.

Photo shop them in and give us a look at all 3 in your kitchen. Is there a reason why you aren't open to seaming?

Here are the 3 mock ups...I really don’t want a seam, I am too meticulous, and my eye would go to it every time I looked. I am having a hard enough time with the small seam on the nero, by the sink, and thats on a solid colour slab, and very well done. I think I would always be bothered by a seam on a material that has even more movement.

White Super. That's IT. No doubt. Done! I think it pulls everything together well as it has the floor color in it, too. I love it. Perfect.

Bikertoni, yes a designer would be helpful, if anything, for sourcing materials, and whittling down available options. Unfortunately, I live in an extremely rural area, with mainly farming and small businesses, such as mechanics and fabricators as the main economy. The few designers in the area, are more hobbyists, who spend a lot of time on Pinterest, or have a 2 week “interior design” certificate. The closest metropolitan area is a 4 hour drive away, making it very difficult to get someone here. Everything I have done so far on this house project I have had to source myself. The average 3 bed/2 bath home in the area would have a kitchen Reno budget for the KD at $8000-$10,000 including flooring, cabs, and counters! My home is one of the very few sitting at the high end of the market, so even our KD was out of his comfort zone, as he had never done a kitchen as high end as ours, its just really rare out here. Luckily he is very good at his job, and has an incredible carpenter who does custom work. All our contractors had never worked with a higher end home before, so a lot of coddling and supervision had to be done. Lol, the plumbers never saw a ‘real miele’ before us! Our KD was so excited, he had never done a panel for a dishwasher before!

White Super!!

Off subject - I came across this site that has sophisticated murals /wallpapers and when I saw this one I thought of your bedroom.

this is another one of theirs- how fun is that!

I love the blues but the white super is the one that looks like it belongs there! it looks totally right.

Agree that the Super White goes with what is already there. They’re all beautiful but I actually like that one the best anyway.
I would caution you around a colored backsplash. It seems like you’d be taking away the attention you’ve created for the island. You’d be better off with flexible, changeable design options in colors (towels, bowls, etc).

I agree with everyone, the white super will be the best choice, and it’s a gorgeous stone, so I think that is what I will go with! I emailed the fabricator to let him know, lets get this finished! Tedbixby what is the third wallpaper? Its spectacular!

Isn't it! Here's the link https://anewall.com/collections/wallpaper/products/blush-floral-mural

Look through the link as they have really some great statement papers.

Definitely White Super. At last you are done! Well, kind of. Is slab large enough to do a seamless island? If not make sure you triple communicate how it will be seamed and templated. Happy for you!

You tested the slab to be sure it’s quartzite? If not, you are okay with marble?

I have ZERO experience with decorating or home renovation. I have to tell you this thread reads like a a fantastic home renovation soap opera, or a good book. I could NOT stop reading. I can’t wait to see the final result.
In the end when you walk into this room it should make YOU smile and fill you with joy. On,y you know what is going to make you happy. So, please don’t settle until you have what you want.

Mandapanda- glad that you joined us and are enjoying this thread.

Since I'm here- TJW- Annastica actually would prefer marble for the island as she is a baker and understands the patina of marble. But always good to ask the OP's, as many show up here asking the Houzz community "what's wrong with my marble?"

I thought I remembered that, tedbixby, but always better to ask : )). I took glass, a small screwdriver and lemon slices and tested the heck out of our White Macaubas quartzite. But for someone who wants and understands marble, there's nothing better. The island is going to be stunning!

I thought about how I would feel about a seam, and I realize I would always look for it, even if to reassure myself it wasn’t visible, lol. Seamless will save me from forever looking at one spot! Yes, I fully understand marble, and I am very prepared for it. I’m disappointed that this is a quartzite, as my original goal was true marble. I am hoping its actually closer to marble, and they are just labelling it quartzite to mark up the price! I actually think the marble patina over time will accentuate the look of a French kitchen, so I would want to use it as much as possible. I love the look of a well loved kitchen. I’m not into those kitchens that are all wow factor, but look like showrooms, where no one actually uses them! I was very careful to design this kitchen with functionality before style, cooking and baking is my stress relief :)

It could be a combo of marble and quartzite, but maybe the harder kind of marble. If you want wabi-sabi don't seal it.

Mandapanda75, this whole project has been a huge rollercoaster, I haven’t even disclosed the half of it! Paid the original KD to build 2 kitchens (This home has an 1800 sq ft in-law suite) He took the money, built a terrible pre-fab non-custom junk kitchen in the in-law suite, which took over 6 months, and proceeded to keep the money for the 2nd kitchen, and was going to put the same terrible cheap stuff in the main! I had to call the police to get the money back for the 2nd kitchen, and was back to square one. It was a nightmare, the KD ruined the in-law kitchen, and I had to pay a new KD just to try and salvage it. Cost me twice as much as if we had done it properly, and I still hate it. I ended up hiring that KD, who basically saved the day. I also had terrible painters, who ruined our floors, and broke into the house to take equipment and from the other contractors, and stole the lighting and bathroom vanities! I had to pay a second company to sand and repaint their mess. Worse part, both the companies that caused the damage were highly recommended, larger companies and the two that “saved the day” were small local contractors...So this kitchen was the second attempt in this house, and long awaited!

Oh you poor thing. Though it has been hell to get to this point, you have a beautiful kitchen and one that you should be very proud of- as I know you are. Hopefully, the end result will take away some of that pain you went through. And unfortunately, I know how common it has become to have bad contractors. I spent 4 yrs with attorney's dealing with a high-end contractor and a high-end architect that did not live up to what I was paying them for and as promised from them. And believe me, I did my homework as after 6 houses which I had contractors work on each one and with each one taking me for a ride in some manner so by the 7th house, I thought I had gotten smarter. Nope! And I know that it won't be the last time. It's just the way the world has become.

Annastacia: That's just awful!! I'm glad the Houzzers have provided opinions, ideas AND emotional support for this part of the remodeling. I am also chasing down a lousy contractor for money for a job not finished (and what he did needed fixing). I ended up paying double for my kitchen but, in the end, I have what I wanted. That's why I keep saying "Stay the course" as I know that sticking to my vision helped me to get through months of living with an undone job. This last slab is stunning and I think your kitchen will be fabulous. And you'll be happy without the seam!!

Annastacia
My heart broke reading your story. I am so sorry you have had to go through that. I am a firm believer in God and karma.

“I’m disappointed that this is a quartzite, as my original goal was true marble.”

I don’t think you need to be disappointed. Super White has been the topic of many posts here on Houzz, and it has been stated over and over again that while it may be labeled as a quartzite, it has more properties of a marble.

Annastacia ....I'm so sorry....just now reading your story. What you've designed is beautiful! Hang in there.

Personally I like the middle slab in your photos. But....I haven't read all the reply's.....maybe it won't work for size? Stay with your original plan....don't alter from the course.

Sending you positive vibes....

>>> waiting to see final results..

Wow I have been following this thread from the beginning. I had no idea the other bull crap you had to deal with! Once the kitchen is done you need to have some quiet to enjoy your space followed by a huge glass of wine. Then of course a party to celebrate your success. But for now sister take it a day at a time knowing it will be spectacular in the end.

Cheryl - do you have power back, just wondering. Annastacia, wow what a terrible experience. So many bad people out there. Robbers really. You just don't know, who you don't know. It is really sad. I have one "go to guy" to help me with projects. He isn't the biggest, has had some "life problems" but is very reliable and does an excellent job. Charges a reasonable, quality level performed amount. I tip him generously because of the "trustworthy" qualities. I am continually stunned by the stories here on Houzz of unscrupulous people.

https://www.houzz.com/user/missflomangan

Yes, power came back on Dec 29th@4pm... our electrician worked both Sat & Sunday here, after hubby & chris rebuilt the power house.. it still needs work but at least we have power now.

9 days without power, thank goodness for the new honda generator.

Now getting caught up on laundry & all the other household chores>> running the roomba E6 right now. Hunter the dog ( who still not at 100 recovery from j=his back injury; is not happy about it.. & I am not packing in wood a couple times a day for the wood stove :)

Happy New Year to all>> will spending a quiet evening here watching netflix movie I beleive.

Oh thank goodness! Hope your furr buddy gets completely healed now that things have settled down. Hoping 2019 is full of great sunsets or sunrises and super fun decorating!!!

Happy New Year! Cold and rainy 12/31. Binge watched Downton Abbey and sipped frozen vodka. Had hubby's family tradition the dreaded "pork pie"; which was as always, truly vile. After 35 years I'm pulling the plug on that. My resolution is to NEVER have pork pie again. I mean it!

What happened to Joe, our stone expert? Have not heard from him in a while.

Filipe Custom Woodwork, he made a statement after the Sophie fiasco that he was no longer posting in the forum unless she was allowed to return. Clearly that didn't happen, and Joe is most likely happy with his newfound time. :-)

Thank you Chessie. Loss of 2 knowledgeable people. Shame.

Not to highjack the thread, but I've been a frequent lurker here and have been away a few months. What happened to Sophie?

Maria Killam of the Color Me Happy blog has written many times about “ bossy” granite, that is, a granite with a lot of wow factor or heavy color. She often makes the point that only one hard finish in your kitchen should be the star. thats one reason she often specifies white subway tile instead of much fancier options when the granite has a lot of pattern. I don’t always agree with everything she says but have seen her photos many times that aptly demonstrate this principle. You have an expensive distinctive granite. Let it shine. Keep your other hard finishes very simple.

Red