Thanks for the comments. Our travertine was a beige tumbled with sealer and enhancer. The noce was too dark, but the enhancer really pulled out the color. We didn't restain our cabinets, but we did "enhance" them with a 3-in-1 Olympic gel stain. Basically, we found a matching color, wiped it on, let it set for a minute and then wiped it off. It filled in the rough spots and re-glossed them up. We also got rid of the fluorescent light box in the before pics and replaced them with can halogens, so that's some of the difference.

This is one of the best transformations I have seen! Looks like brand new custom cabinets with the expensive upgrade to the paint with a hand glazed or highlight on the door detail. I can't even believe the budget! DIYers, now here is your textbook example...this is how it's done people! Oh and you will get a big kick out of this....I didn't read your original comments at first because I just couldn't wait to start looking through all the amazing pictures. So when I got to one that shows the electric fireplace (not turned on), I thought, "Oh what a fabulous pet bed nook all trimmed out for a Royal pooch" LOL!!! The fireplace is an awesome idea! But hey, this could've worked too huh? :-D

Hmm Lisa...I am guessing SSwiddows has very good sealer. My slabs are honed, not leathered. I chose these because I really like soapstone but did not want the maintenance. I may as well have bought that with the maintenance I have with the silver grey. I put a crockpot on it with a towel underneath. It took over a week for the dark spot to go away. Again, I will be spraying on a sealer and hope that will make a difference. Will have to look in the search for "good sealer" and hope to find some suggestions.

Thanks Joseph. Had checked the install guideline and code, no issues there. The 3 burners that are 20k BTU are in front back burners are smaller, plus sufficient space around 8 -10 inches to wall. Thermador has a fan in back to dissipate heat.