Cabinets, Backsplash, Tiles and Countertops

Countertops
ST told us that if we wanted a bright, lively backsplash, that we should pick a plain countertop and that black would be dramatic. Originally, we thought about Concrete. A black concrete countertop could range from a dull to a waxed shiny finish. We even bought a couple of books by Fu-Tung Cheng. Awesome look, but we started to think about the practicality of concrete. Is it a fad or will it be around for awhile? How durable is concrete?

So we did some research on the internet and here are some of the concerns. The concrete may get scratched or nicked, but Max said he could seal it. We would have to wax it periodically to maintain the shine. Cracks could be evident and the counter would be as good as the contractor who made it.

We also looked at granite which has been around for awhile. Since we were looking at black, the ones we found had too many gold or silver speckles in it which we thought would detract from the colorful backsplash tile we were planning on installing. Then we looked at silestone or cesarstone which is basically composite material mostly quartz chips that are ground and bound with resin. It is much more durable, looks like stone and has more of a consistent design. We got quotes on both granite and cesarstone and they were pretty comparable.

Then we happened to go to a granite store and looked at the slabs in their inventory. The absolute black looked beautiful. We also saw it in a kitchen showroom and that reinforced our choice.

While we were in the showroom we saw a green countertop. Don't worry, we aren't going to green. Originally, we thought about going with a triple-bullnose. But then we saw the green countertop that was just a basic square edge, maybe 2-3 inches with a slight bevel at the edge. It looked sleek and thought it would go great with the ziggurat type moulding we had in mind for the cabinets.

Tiles and Backsplash
Select this link for pictures of the tiles for the backsplash. Aren't they dazzling? We haven't made a choice or designed the pattern yet. But we just know it will be colorful, hence the basic black choice for the countertop. The only hesitation I have is that someone said that it will be difficult to see ants on black countertops. Ugh...ants. I hate ants and our town sits on an ant hill.

Back to the cabinet styles
Why are there so many choices and decisions to make? Today, Max just got back from our cabinet contractor Bill, who made a sample of the cabinet style we chose. It is called a Shaker style. Now we have to make a choice of insert or overlay. Insert is when the cabinet door is flush to the frame, so there is about an inch that might be lost in space. Overlay is when the cabinet door closes over the frame. So the look is whether or not we want to see more of the frame or not. Max has "a vision" and wants the insert. I would like an overlay.

Okay people, the demolition starts Monday and to coincide, Bill needs to know our decision. If we choose the insert, it will take longer to make and we will be without a kitchen for a longer period of time. (at this time we are still mulling over that decision).

By the way, I did pack another few boxes of kitchen items. We have a box set aside for items to go to Salvation army and boxes of items to give to Lauren's (my niece) girlfriend Megan.