hinge on left is a "face frame cup hinge"- other names exist hinge on right is "euro hinge" other names exist In both cases there are at least 6 mfgs who have up to dozens of variations of swing, cabinet clip, attachment... What do you really need to know? Soft close hinges- newest and most common the soft close is built into the hinge. Older ones had a piston mounted in the cabinet for the door to hit on closing. You might be able to clean them- carefully- no solvents, no WD40 (which is a solvent) but unlikely. On newer glides the soft close mechanisms is integral and can't really be repaired. The older (over 5 years) could be replaced if they were blum. Note that dust can be the death of undermount glides. Sawdust from install not cleaned or worse, granite dust and often the glides will have to be replaced. Keep after your installers.

patser - on one of the windows, I can see the track where the cords used to lie, on the other, it looks like the trim was changed, because I can't see any of that hardware. Both windows also have a pane of glass that spans the whole opening on the outside - an older storm window. I have another question - in one of the rooms (dining room), there is only one window and it is of this style I have described. However, in another room (Family Room)_ there are three windows - on two adjacent walls, there is one of these "unique" windows, and one that is a standard 32" wide double hung that is split in the middle. Then, across the room (fairly large room, 15X19) there is a large casement style window looking out to the backyard. So, if I were to hang a window treatment only on the bottom larger portion of the "unique" window, how would I then treat the other windows? Is there a recommended way to show of the character of my older window while staying consistent with the other two? Also... could I do a shade AND a lace curtain? So I could have privacy and lace? How do you think blinds would look? Alone, or along with the lace curtains? Hope this all makes sense! Thank you for your thoughts!

Hi Lisa, I think I was suppose to get you some info about my old kitchen as well, I am sorry haven't done it yet. I have just been crazy busy. We homeschool, so I am trying to fit everything we didn't do into this last month. They are already ahead so don't know why I worry. Anyway ...here is a pic of faucet. I don't have it installed yet but do have it in my possession now. It is beautiful, heavy, I love it. This pic is a bathroom one, but have the same in kitchen only it comes with a side spray. It is also gorgeous and heavy. My granite guys were very impressed with side spray as they said most they see are plastic. I can't wait to see it with my Shaw. Oh yes, its from the Sigma Reserve Collection, from the Sancerre line. Truly beautiful, and of course it doesn't have the plug pop up.

We are remodeling a lake home that has limited heat and no airconditioning in MN. Installing electric baseboard on individual thermostats, central propane stove/fireplace as backup heat in the event of power outage. Adding 2 through the wall 240 volt air-conditioners. We can section off our home for heating purposes in the event we have power outages. Battery fans and natural convection will distribute propane provided heat. Design of house does not allow ductwork, mini-splits won't cut it in the extreme cold, and slab/floors not suitable for radient heating.