Mitigation ends this week and then we’ll start taking bids for reconstruction/build back.

Cabinets came out today and said they need to remake everything bc the cabinets were too compromised. So we’re going to take things one step at a time!

So glad you took preemptive measures. I have friend who actually had two slab leaks about six months apart (different locations in the house). What nightmares are made of.......

Glad to hear they fixed the leak, and hopefully you’ll get your beautiful kitchen back just as you remember!

Jan mentioned above that copper pipes can lasts a long, long time. That is very true, as long as they remain undisturbed. They don’t like being messed with. 😤

I hope they will be extra gentle adding back the concrete!

I’m trying to remember, was their something with they cabinets that was slightly off from the final design, but that you decided you were ok with? Was it that they did the shaker instead of slab on the top drawers? I feel like there was something else too. I just figured since they have to redo the cabinets anyway, maybe you could have those few mistakes fixed?

Please keep us posted!

So we have officially been told by insurance that the ITEL report said that the cabinets are not repairable so that's that.

@rebunky yes to your question about the small things that we could get fixed this go around.

I can't believe we're here again, but here we are again. :)

Sympathies @Shazia

Hiiii!!! Do you know where I can source this hood style?

Sorry for the late reply Shazia!

If I remember correctly, I had posted way upthread a photo of a hood similar to that one in response to Rabbitt saying yours was too boxy. I agree that this curved shape would be an very nice improvement.

Look up plastered hoods. Basically, your contractor would frame out the hood’s shape and then add a plaster finish and paint it to match the cabinets.

Please keep us posted on the progress! 💕

Thank you @rebunky! That’s what our GC told us too and I didn’t realize it could be that easy! I was scouring this thread to find @jan_moyer original hood style but I couldn’t get back far enough to find it!

However, here’s the hood I’m thinking about bc guess what!!! I’m getting all new counters and we will get the third slab of Taj to do as the full backsplash!!! The light at the end of the tunnel.

Here’s a rendering (as good as AI can do for now). I had it show me various hood options and I loved that soft curve in the current kitchen.

My current contractor is exploring if we can reuse the cabinets bc they are in great shape and I don’t know that I want to wait another 9 months to get the same cabinets made again! And my heart and mind don’t have the capacity to redesign the absolutely most beautiful kitchen already!

But the Taj backsplash and hood are exactly the update needed (which y’all clearly wanted from the get go!). The plaster on the hood will add that additional texture and be a nod to our plastered fireplace directly across the hood in the family room.

I’ve included the rendering of the final look but obviously this has to be made to scale!

p.s. who’s interested in designing my upstairs bath together? We’re going to get it done while we have contractors back in the house. I’ll start another thread if y’all are interested! Just emoji this if you’re IN!

Oh and other small changes:

I’ll get the glass shelves y’all wanted and change out the glass on cabinets! I have to go find the name of that glass that was mentioned here.
Adding a light at the beverage station. It’s too dark in that corner.

Sooooo…great news. We are doing three new slabs of stone.

We really fell in love with this Soho quartzite we found. The picture doesn’t do it justice with the tonality and iridescence but it was both of our favorites.

I still like Taj but is it possible to be over it now? DH certainly is.

He is wanting to do this soho on backsplash and perimeter…and then do something bold on island. We’ll change out the stools too this go around. I think his idea is valid but we would have to get the stone justttt right.

Thoughts?

Shazia I followed your previous kitchen remodel. It was truly one of the most gorgeous kitchens on Houzz. I am hoping Jan, Rebunky, and the others see your new post.
In regards to the new slabs…IMHO they don’t have the personality and class (for lack of a better word) as the Taj you had previously. Taj has a more feminine feel, with the curves of the veining, the other stone feels more masculine and that may be why your husband likes it
I’m sure whatever you decide your kitchen will be fabulous, you have exquisite taste.

"He is wanting to do this soho on backsplash and perimeter…and then do.......... something bold on island. We’ll change out the stools too this go around. I think his idea is valid but we would have to get the stone justttt right.

Thoughts?"

One decision, not TWO. Meaning NO, NO AND NO?

Sorry to DH, what goes in the backsplash/perimeter..........GOES ON THE ISLAND.

Do not mix two stones. also, make certain that IS a quartzite as they are often, varying by stone yard renamed, and confused.

It matters only to you and DH when you love a stone. I loved the Taj, and there is no argument here, that we've all used it a lot. That is because while yes, it is both calm, warm and lovely its basically very hard to ruin in even a very active kitchen,

@Jan_Moyer has entered the chat💃🏽My weekend has been made!

Happy 4th of July to all celebrating 🎆 I will certainly not be staring at the concrete hell that is currently half my house (pic attached) 😂

Now onto stone, thank the lord that you nixed the different one on island Jan! It made me think of those custom kitchens in the 80s/90s that promptly aged the mansions house as soon as the trend was over. And tbh, those stone counters were absolutely gorgeous and rare. It just dated the home and I do love timeless. I still love what I love years later. Anywho I digress.

SoHo is quartzite and very durable. The rep at the showroom was kind enough to be transparent about which stones to stay away from due to staining issues (Tahiti and Mykonos she mentioned in particular) but said SoHo is great!

We absolutely loved this stone in person. It actually glitters and when DH said it was top of his list, I did feel validated inside.

I doubt my taste at times bc timeless can sometimes equal basic but other times it’s classy…and this is why designers make the decisions and not me or DH 😂. To his defense though, he is a handsome man with refined taste. The cigar lounge to my airy feminine.

@amateurdeziner - thank you for your kind words, they meant a lot! Re: the slabs, I don’t think the pics are doing the slab justice but the stone is so pretty that it actually glitters. It’s like I have enter fairyland but on Jupiter.

But let’s talk Taj since we’re all here for it. So I love Taj. I also have 6 remnants of it now so it’s going in upstairs bath vanity, maybe in our pantry, and maybe on fireplace.

The thing is Taj is on my short list for sure. But is it possible to tire of it? I don’t have to be the most unique kitchen on the block but everyone and their mom is doing it in Dallas now. And it’s beautiful in our kitchen of course and I would be happy with it. We would do a leathered finish this go around. And we are getting 3 slabs bc I understand the assignment now and checking bundles so we’re getting full height backsplash!

BUT DH is officially over Taj. And I wouldn’t be sad without it.

SoHo would look darling in our kitchen (but tbh, any stone would look darling in our kitchen!). They have a honed option in Austin that I may formally ask to be brought over so we can see it. We do like the matte finish in most slabs unless y’all say no.

And that is the current slab saga.

The End.

Ignore me if you want, but wasn't it perfect before? Why not replace it exactly as it was? Like I said. Ignore me if you want.

I'm getting the hint over here re: taj, lol! Definitely not going to ignore you @kl23! you're part of the team too.

it really was perfect before but also, it would be even more perfect with the full height backsplash and different hood (I still need to go through this thread to see what Jan's original hood plan had been before we had to work with the limited stone in round 1). since we have to build back from scratch anyways and are getting new slabs, it did open up pandora's box...

Thanks @Shazia

I'm planning the renovation of my own kitchen and have chosen to extent the backsplash to the ceiling and also beyond the cabinet area to include the entire wall ending in an interior corner. So I couldn't argue with your backsplash thoughts.

I have chosen an invisible hood that tucks inside cabinetry. But I like a contemporary look, and you are heading towards more traditional. I can't even choose my cabinet stain and tomorrow will be my third attempt, so you ready can ignore me, especially with someone like Jan helping you.

@kl23, is someone helping you with stain?!

Also I’ve never heard of a hidden hood in my life

Oh you’ve seen hidden hoods in many kitchens. They’re the ones integrated into cabinets and are usually called “inserts.”

Ohhhhh, the actual hood vent! Yes, we have one of those too, lol!

haha!

My understanding is that Soho quartzite is more accurately categorized as dolomitic marble. It can scratch much easier than true quartzite and is highly porous. It has good heat resistance - but takes much more maintenance in order to minimize potential staining. It also is subject to etching.

You need to take a piece of it home with you in order to test it out with various substances that could stain (mustard/wine (I know that you don't drink wine - but I would still use a little red wine to test the slab)/oil/etc.)

@Shazia yes, I hired a local interior design who uses Houzz in addition to the contractor's kitchen designer. We chose a stain now. Part of the problem for me is that the small sample was perfect but the larger door sample was noticably darker. I've since decided that's ok. The hue is perfectly chocolatey. Here's a link to my downstairs project with links to previous projects:  https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6372549/renovating-the-main-floor-of-this-1979-split-level-builder-grade-home

Quick paint question as they’re going to repaint in a few weeks.

Sherwin Williams Greek Villa
Cashmere line
Wall paint - Flat
Baseboard - Satin
Cabinetry/Trim - Satin

Is this correct?

Wait are you all saying that contrasting island countertops is a no go? I feel like I see that all the time on here. We were hoping to do a contrasting island with both cabinets and countertops. White/off white cabinets with honed black granite on perimeter, and darkish wood cabinets with light non busy granite or quartzite on island. Is this a bad idea?

Edited to add a few inspiration photos. None of them is exactly right but this is the idea. The island and floor will be dark wood with no red tone.

Ok, we listened to y’all and selected this stone. Leathered Taj!

But now send good jujus bc the third slab is on hold so only 2 slabs available.

However, we’re not looking for a unicorn so if this one doesn’t work, we’ll look at other bundles of leathered Taj.

DH loves Crystallo (I don’t)

And we both loved this marble but…it’s marble. 😭

Does anyone have experience with this marble? Volakas? It’s 2cm and marble/dolomite and I have to confirm the measurements will work but it’s absolutely stunning.

Here is the marble in question above…

Too much drama for me...........: )

Thank you @jan_moyer. Will stick to Taj Mahal then!

I like the leathered/honed finish though unless you have any experience to say no to that otherwise?

Leathered/honed is fine !

Thank you Jan!!

Also I’ve gone down the rabbit hole of watching IG videos and the algorithm knows that I’m working on my house and well…I have some questions…

Should I do a different edge this go around with the Taj instead of eased? Ogee or DuPont maybe?

Should I consider a new cabinet color? I do love Greek villa so happy if you tell me to stick with it…but should I consider a different color? We have the opportunity to start over with any color.

And lastly do you like this hood shape and doing it in plaster or Roman clay?

Here’s my kitchen before the slab leak to refresh memories 😍

Shazia, I love the new hood you’re considering. I think it has a beautiful curve to it…like a woman’s figure, as opposed to the previous one you had…which had more of a square box feel. I think it would look lovely with a plaster finish. However I would default to Jan on the finish of the hood and the color of your cabinets, as she is the best!

Thank you @amateurdeziner!

Question along with update.

Taj Mahal has become the most sought after stone and I’m coming across the following issue - slabs are always on hold that I’m interested in…and/or the Taj available now is really not good quality anymore. It’s actually kind of weird at this point but a fabricator told me they’re going deeper and deeper into the stone quarry’s that the quality is degrading.

So I’m still searching for the right stone.

With that being said…can you tell me which option you prefer?

Option 1 - keep searching for Taj only (leathered or honed preference)
Option 2 - put kitchen back together the way it was with our original Taj and hood photo attached
Option 3 - original Taj but do a tiled backsplash so it’s full height. I know @jan_moyer hates this option so I’m afraid to even ask!
Option 4 - consider a different kind of stone - if so, any suggestions? I’m reconsidering this Volakas marble we saw. It’s stunning in person and may be a bit on the cool side but could work in our kitchen

@jan_moyer - would you love your input since this is your kitchen too 😊

I know you gave the green light on honed/leathered Taj but what are your thoughts on the options in the comment above?

And with a full height backsplash option - do you have a preferred hood shape?

Thank you!!

So I read this entire thread today -- AGAIN -- and I wanted to kill me...but then I got roped in myself too, lol! I wanted to yell at myself and say, listen about getting the three slabs! And I guess the universe agreed b/c here we are again.

I can't even begin to express my gratitude to Jan, Rebunky, and Rene! Like @Rabbitt Design made actual YOUTUBE videos PLUS CAD designs?! I understand everything so much better now. And @rebunky making photoshop after photoshop after photoshop. and of course @JAN MOYER with her handwritten genius and problem solving with the stone we had the time. THANK THA LORD you made me do the hutch cabinets too. They are breathtaking!

And the whole team who is here - I love y'all!

I'm going to give an update b/c I have to keep you abreast of what's happening. Floors are in. Doing the same thing as last time although considering Bona Extra Matte finish instead of satin.

We are going to do 3 new slabs - this is the ONLY option at this point. It is disappointing the quality of Taj now but it's still the prettiest stone and we love the leathered look.

Jan - you will be proud of me b/c I go to the stone yard with my old cabinet + pull and floor piece. p.s. I don't care about symmetry anymore. LOL. What in the world was I harping over years ago?! Balance truly is where it's at :)

Finally, I do like the hood option with a slight taper and curve. Just ever so slightly. She pretty.

And ultimately what I realized is on a full height backsplash - any style hood will look gorgeous.

Which takes me to my next point - all my learnings. I feel like sharing them with you - or the random person that comes on this thread...onto the next comment for lessons learned.

Lessons learned

• Drawers are queen - always and forever...do drawers
• Take time to listen to the pros on here. ALWAYS. You may think you know, but you don't know. They know. Do you want to feel good about yourself or do you want a beautiful design? If you're here, go for the latter.
• Microwave drawer - amazing.
• 48" clearance - the REAL luxury. Don't let anyone sway you any different. It's the unseen things that actually make your kitchen feel luxurious
• Inventory everything so when you design your kitchen, you know where things are going. And then know, it will change when the kitchen is built.
• PLAN PLAN PLAN. @Rabbitt Design said this in numerous ways and so did the other pros but literally, the majority of decisions are from a good plan. Electrical, lighting, layout, etc. But also know it's ok to change for what's best too - you're not locked in...which leads me to
• It's ok to spend extra and change things where needed. If you realize a major improvement might cost a bit, THIS is the time to make the change. You may regret it later and it will be much more costly later.
• No one and I mean no one will care about your house like you do. You have to oversee things, no matter what. I have a dear friend doing a luxury remodel now...and the GC missed an entire FOOT of cabinet on a 13' island. an entire foot!

AND THE BEST ADVICE EVER from the goat @JAN MOYER herself

- Everything can't be the star. This is literally how you can tell a professionally designed space vs. not. I see people all the time wanting every single thing to be pretty - and that used to be me too until I learned here and started paying attention that it's really the art of bringing things together that make a beautiful harmony. Also hire great designers b/c they just have an eye and yours won't be as good (unless you're a designer, then please ignore this comment, lol!).

@Shazia I do wish I felt better about your repeat renovation. But I am so worried about the main cause of the water line breaks not being addressed, or at least I don't understand how you addressed them.

@kl23 the main line was fixed with the plumbing repair so it shouldn’t happen again. But you can’t say anything in Texas tbh 😂

Hi Shazia!

Sorry, I have not been on house for a while. It is so nice to see that you are getting close to having your gorgeous kitchen back! Crazy what all happened!

I am beyond thrilled that with this second unexpected reno, you will actually get more of what you originally wanted… full slab backsplash and stand alone hood. I love that you went with the leathered Taz!

I look forward to seeing the new reveal! 💗💗💗

Sorry Shazia...I understood you to say early on that you were on the black gumbo soil notorious for breaking pipes run horizontally under houses. Perhaps I misunderstood.

As I recall in my advancing age...........? The FIRST hood, was the result of the lack of enough material to fully extend the Taj ?

I LIVED the thread....lol not sure at this early am I can fully review.....would need a pound of coffee brew.

Yep! the first hood was to balance the stone we did have. It was a solution to something unfortunate (no third slab). And I loved my kitchen but now that we have a second go, I will do right by the backsplash! What do yall think of these slabs? I put them on hold.

@kl23, the slab leaks are from homes shifting in North Texas but one thing I haven’t heard is people having it multiple times. So I’m hoping we were only unfortunate enough to have it happen once!

Yes, yes, yes! Make sure you see the laser template VISUAL before the cuts and the install moment. First layout can be in the stone yard......omit any flaws etc. Then the actual template in the house,,,,and all the checks , checked!!!!

Well that’s a winner winner chicken dinner! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you give such an emphatic yes so I feel good. The movement on these is really pretty!

Yes to all you’ve said for prep! 2 slabs will literally be the whole slab (island and backsplash).

They have 5 slabs in the bundle left so I’m going to pick out the best quality ones and then we’re a go!

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼💗💗💗💗💗

Can someone remind me what the measurement of the stone is on the perimeter? Is it 1” for full overlay shaker? Thanks!

I USUALLY do an 1 1/4 0r 1/1/2, but it can depend your drawer /door face thickness and hardware. Never have exceeded 1 1/2"