Ann, Looks like a fun project and a nice big space to work with.

We used polished Taj Mahal on taupe cabinets. I’m wondering if you have been seeing honed taj mahal slabs at the showrooms? To me they appeared grayer than the polished—Although I have heard that many t m slabs are coming in more grey toned these days. In any case, our slab showroom offered to search for slabs that I might like better—they had photos taken of possibilities To show us. Maybe yours would do that.

We used Cambria in our baths and we were never able to see slabs. I did find one dealer who would lend me a foot square sample which helped a lot. There are many Berwyn kitchens pictured online if you google and that might help.

As far as hardware, personally I waited until the cabs and counters were installed. I think it is hard to tell without seeing the whole layout. And there are a zillion choices.

Good luck with you project. J.

I think your kitchen is quite nice already and it sounds like your plans will work -----just saying that the painting estimate for the cabinets is really low. From what I read on here, that could be an issue if not done properly. Curious if you are planning to change the 2 level bar to one level or keep as is? For countertop it sounds like you are looking to LIGHTEN it all up?

I think the champagne hardware will work.

Yes, we would like to lighten the area up some. I wanted to lower the bar but there are several outlets on each side to be addressed and we weren’t really sure if it was worth the hassle. The new bar counters were going to be extended by 2 inches to make them wider.

The painter is going to spray everything with Sherwin Williams products. I don’t recall which ones. He also mentioned cleaning them well and sanding first as we have some areas where the paint is missing. Is there anything specific I should ask him about? Has has done a friends house and they look nice and they were done a few years ago.

We are ready to start our project. What would you recommend as the first step? We found some slabs of TM that we like and I am going to look at Soprano after seeing it here. I have ordered tile samples from fireclay and tile bar. I’m guessing we need to rip out the backsplash first. Then? Buy items like faucets and cooktop. Need to schedule the counters, plumber for gas line and pot filler, and the painter. Who comes first?

Is your current exhaust system able to handle a high powered gas cook top?

The insert currently in there is the Fujioh with a 390 cfm.

We took the insert out and can see insulation at the top of the hole. Didn’t see this coming. The pen noticed they vented it by cutting 3 holes on each side of the hood venting into the kitchen! Will get in the attic this week and see if we can locate where it should be. Got up there and it comes out under a bathroom sink. No way we can vent it through there.

Current plan is to go induction for cooktop. Bosch or Thermador.

Will order new doors from Barker. Thinking the maple paint grade?

I’m stuck on a sink. We found some TM slabs we like so that is the plan. I’m considering either a copper workstation sink or stainless workstation sink. And a Brizo faucet but not sure if we should go with black or luxe gold. Cabinet hardware could be either color. Any suggestions? Need to know these items to get the counters templates.

Sorry. I like it as is