The builder is saying he can’t make any changes anymore but I’m soooo
confused about what if this is a complete design failure???

You are totally fine! :-)

This is not a complete design failure... It's not even a moderate design failure; it really is completely fine. <3 Now, on to the next phase of your house! ;-)

first off, you can't stain those factory finished java cabinets in a light gray stain. It wouldn't look right, and the cost would be as much as getting new cabinets or doors.

what are the other choices? only java color? I'm not a fan of java cabinets, but that's me.

and if the builder can't make changes, why are we worried???

what if you switched to white cabinets? would that work?

do you love the backsplash choices? if not, just wait until you move in. have the splash done at your leisure w/what you want.

or ask him if you buy your own tile and provide it, can they install it

and if the builder can't make changes, why are we worried???

:-D

This is exactly what I thought, too. :-)

So what I had in mind was that if let’s say this is a complete fail, would I have any options to change it post construction. So as Beth said, It would be difficult to put a lighter grey stain on a darker stained cabinet. But if the majority feels the darker cabinets look fine with this setting than I’m fine with it. The only thing is I have been researching so much online and been so stressed that the new modern look calls for a lighter cabinet color. I know this looks contemporary but does it also look modern to you guys?

I am personally not a big fan of white cabinets so that wouldnt be an option.

One devoted Dame....thank you so much! You made me feel sooooo much better. I think I might be going through the pre completion jitters lol

oh, well if you're worried about what you've chosen, don't be. it all looks fine together. The dark cabs will look a bit more modern, especially w/the white quartz. Do some nice looking hardware and lighting, and it will be fine!

I agree 100% with Miss Beth; everything you chose looks very nice, and definitely leans modern/contemporary, not traditional. :-)

I had a feeling this post reflected the doubts and jitters (I like the word choice there!) that go along with the whole territory of building a house. My mother-in-law has a passion for interior design (went to school for it, but ultimately chose a different path), and every time she picked out stuff for her own new-build house, she always went through that period of doubt. And she beautifully executes everything, every time. <3

awww thank you so much you all! That makes me feel soooo much better. Will share the completed look in two months hopefully!

one last thing HU. your backsplash tile is actually a marble. (Athens Grey marble) when you move in, make sure to apply a good sealer. I like 511 or Aquamix, (follow the directions carefully)

if you get the one that says "enrich", it's going to enhance or deepen the look. (like how it looks when it's wet) If you want that, get the enhancing impregnator. If you don't want to change the color or look at all, then just get the one above. Make sure it says "ok for marble" and 'won't change color'. mkay? oh, and only clean it w/stone safe cleaners.

Got it! 👍 thank you so much for your advice Beth!

My only concern is the backsplash. It is being offered as a main choice by every large production builder right now. I would ask the builder to skip the backsplash and then select something on my own that is a bit more unique and not something that every third house in your development will have. Your local mid/high level tile store will have so many more choices than what your builder's design center offers.

Chispa- How much do you think a backsplash outsourced from somewhere else might cost? The builder is charging $2500 for this and it’s not even a huge kitchen. But she did say that it’s natural stone.

Hard to say the cost because you can buy tile at $1/sq.ft or $300+/sq.ft.

These marble mosaics, most likely manufactured in China, are found everywhere right now as they are trending.

Here are the ones at Floor and Decor and the prices. You can do the math with your actual square feet and see what the builder might be charging you for labor and materials.

https://www.flooranddecor.com/marble-stone#prefn1=shape&prefv1=Hexagon%20&%20Octagon

Looks like the builder is charging around $1000 for labor. The tiles themselves are costing around $1200-$1500 on floor and decor website. Does the labor charge sound reasonable?

If nothing can be changed then move on. Of course down the road if you want to change it there is nothing stopping you. I hate java colored cabinets but that is another story .I do not think you have design failure it will be fine .

I'm with chispa. I'd do a diff backsplash, only because that particular material and shape is a bit overdone.

you said you have a small backsplash area but you're spending almost 1500 on material? what's the sq footage? because at the price your way over $20 a sq ft for tile. (do you have over 50 sq ft?)

$1000 for labor seems ok. but again, don't know how big of an area it is.

if you're going to get marble, I'd choose the Calacatta tile. it's warmer and will work w/your java, but also has enough white to work w/your quartz. The athens gray would be better suited for a very creamy, beige color countertop.

floor and decor has the same shape in the calacatta at $20 (calacatta is a more expensive marble) But the golden tones will work better w/your java cabs and white quartz

Tilebar has this linear bar calacatta. it's very nice quality

I just think you should weigh your options and not have to settle for something merely because that's all the builder allows. Ask him if you purchase a new tile, can their installer still do it for the same price?

Yes Beth. I’m in the process of checking with the builder if I can supply him the tile and he can do the installation. I am willing to pay the overhead cost if any. Let’s see how he replies.

I was inclining towards the all white 3D effect tile. Let me know your views on it. Attaching the pic for you.

I am just not too sure how it will blend with my flooring since I have grey tones in my floor.

HU,,, No. that's a 12x24" tile meant for flooring or large wall applications.

You'd have to cut it for your backsplash and it would ruin the look. you need something smaller than 12" in length, and no more than 8" tall

if you want the 3D tile effect, take a look at these from tilebar and order some samples. (5 for $5)

I really like these first two selections

https://tilebar.com/nabi-harlequin-natural-white-ceramic-tile.html

https://tilebar.com/byzantine-bianco-3d-ceramic-tile.html

can also go vertical

https://tilebar.com/kent-contour-white-2-6-x-13-polished-ceramic-tile.html

https://tilebar.com/maverick-natural-3x8-textured-mix-ceramic-tile.html

this Sea Wind color would look awesome w/your cabinets (comes in other colors too, and the first pic, also comes in this color)

https://tilebar.com/nabi-jewel-sea-wind-polished-ceramic-tile.html

https://tilebar.com/nabi-argyle-sea-wind-6x6-ceramic-tile.html

also in the brown, or comes in a white

You could even do this soft green/gray color w/this one. looks great w/the java

https://tilebar.com/quill-tundra-polished-ceramic-mosaic.html

here's the rest of their 3d tiles. grab some samples

https://tilebar.com/collection/3d-tile.html

you like more of a modern marble w/gold?

Oh wowww all those tiles look really good! Thank you Beth!

Another question. What other color stain for cabinets would you recommend with the same counter top and backsplash? I just feel this dark cabinet color might make my space look even smaller?

I’m really liking the subtle grey color that’s almost close to blue or white.

Or how about the navy blue stain? Husband agrees to it to a certain point but not sure how the end result would be?

why are you hung up on staining? Staining is done on raw wood. Those java cabs are factory finished. You'd have to completely sand those back to raw wood to do a new stain. So forget that. If you want blue or gray, you'll have to paint them.

As for a 'blue' stain. there is blue dye. there is no 'blue' stain. (at least not one that would give you an actual blue finish like other stains) There's an aniline dye. a bit diff. I've done a turquoise blue dye on a piece of oak furniture. it's actually very pretty. But you need a wood species that has an ability to accept (or soak in ) the dye/stain.

otherwise, just choose paint if you're going w/those brown cabinets but want a diff color. (or ask the builder if you can switch them)

If you want to stain something , choose a raw, white oak cabinet to start.

Painting would be much easier and less time consuming too. I really don’t care as long as the color comes out nice. What I was thinking was (and please tell me if it might look terrible) was that just make the center island blue. i don’t care about how the look is achieved whether paint or anything my concern is that even if I get it painted post move, would the Java cabinets pick up the color?

Ooooh yea I really like the bluish grey color. Yes absolutely! Im thinking of getting blue dining chairs and an accent chair

there's a ton of blue/gray colors, so have fun!

this one is more gray/green

java island, but the other gray is more of a neutral, medium gray.

Ooooh I really like the Normandy and little falls. Life and Indigo are also nice. Which one do you think looks best with my flooring? I’m thinking of DIYing it after cabinets are installed. You think a deglosser should be enough or would I need to sand each cabinet?

HU, no, a deglosser is not enough. lol. it's a ton of work to properly paint cabs. Have you ever painted? or sanded or primed anything? all doors have to be removed (and properly marked so they go back in the same place) I've painted cabs 3 diff times, and I'll never do it again.

If I were you, I'd get a pro to come and do it. so they can spray it at their shop.

if you still want to DIY, then read up on the proper way to do it. here:

https://www.evolutionofstyleblog.com/how-to-paint-your-kitchen-cabinets-like

https://www.thriftydecorchick.com/2015/11/the-epic-how-to-paintyour-kitchen.html

https://www.paintedbykaylapayne.com/are-you-thinking-about-painting-your-cabinets/

I actually haven’t as you can clearly tell lol 🙈

It will look fine. You should not worry one bit what the "new modern look" is supposed to be. Next year they will say something else. I think you are suffering from new house anxiety.

@emmarene9 i sure am! 🤦‍♀️

Hello,

Wanted to update you all on the almost finished look. Appliances are not in yet but rest is all done. What do you guys think? Just one thing bothering me is that maybe the backsplash should have gone higher until the hood but the builder was charging $1500 for it.

Share your opinions on the almost finished look. Love all your posts here and thank you for sharing this adventure with me!

Hi. Your images did not post. I can’t wait to see how it’s going.

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