We also looked into concrete done by a fabricator, but found the cost to be exorbitant and took it out of the running for our countertop choices. It was more expensive than granite, quartizte, marble or engineered stone(quartz). We have narrowed it down to caesarstone quartz (after many many samples and testing of the aforementioned) for both island and perimeter. I strongly suggest you carefully look into the cost as well as the staining that can occur with concrete before you go any further.

The best 2 looking backsplashes, that always match the granite that you choose, are a backsplash of the same granite, or NO backsplash at all. Granite does not have grout lines, so not only do you have a color difference by choosing a tile or whatever but you go from a nice smooth surface to something with "Butt Ugly" grout lines and all broken up, (right above the granite) instead of 1 solid piece like the granite is. I mean, look at the work and the post you see about getting a "perfect seam" on adjoining granite pieces, and all the grief when the seam is not perfect~~~yet that same poster will have right above the granite, (something called a backsplash) that is a Missmash of tiles or whatever and grout and a ton of imperfect lines!!! (or even if perfect lines), they are still ugly to me!!!! Gary

sayde like your use of design/elements in your remodel - What size is kit? do you have pics I personally prefer - things to fit the scale of the room - My kit would look silly w/a 48" range for instance but a 36" centered is well suited. Not sure if it would work for your application but would a prep sink fit anywhere in the design? I love hex tile - depending on what design you use it can look less "bathroomy" and more kitcheny Love American Rest tile, the guy is a very nice knowledgeable gentleman Here's some design ideas/pics http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/images/uploads/10-10-tile1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/tilevault/tilevault-flowering-hex-floor-pattern-033733&usg=__P1CY1GLpnw7oPdmooWckZMAODHM=&h=485&w=460&sz=57&hl=en&start=22&sig2=WVOu96g5qknDsARKhHu95g&um=1&tbnid=6JrGmJj2ZWjSnM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=122&prev=/images%3Fq%3D1%2522%2Bhex%2Btile%2Bin%2Bkitchen%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26rls%3DSUNA,SUNA:2006-37,SUNA:en%26sa%3DN%26start%3D20%26um%3D1&ei=HpYxSvKtIY3WlQe386X5BQ Close to your idea - but i don't like the subway all the way up to ceiling or the honking Subzero http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fOefRBlr4X8/Sbfy5VmJk4I/AAAAAAAACJ0/7i-dhsb_sNY/s400/hex_tile.jpg http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k0B_voB0oP0/SJazDnKAdLI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/mkJyQwN-e8I/s400/kitchentileshousebeautiful.jpg http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/ny/12-19-tile2.jpg http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.theantiquefloorcompany.com/images/stage_1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.theantiquefloorcompany.com/services&usg=__YuprtpXDRsb-GuIc127ezfpRQKc=&h=275&w=275&sz=20&hl=en&start=320&sig2=UrORfvzmBFcWhXdz3R99Nw&um=1&tbnid=gXxdrYzCxKGVsM:&tbnh=114&tbnw=114&prev=/images%3Fq%3D1%2522%2Bhex%2Btile%2Bin%2Bkitchen%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26rls%3DSUNA,SUNA:2006-37,SUNA:en%26sa%3DN%26start%3D300%26um%3D1&ei=g5gxStj3HtzelQe-u6GnCQ Good luck Is there any chance you can salvage the existing/old tile?

A few years back, didn't we decide on a system of elimination for determining whether you're a good candidate for a copper sink? Do NOT get a copper sink if two or more of the following are true: a. you iron your jeans b. you are bothered by cupboard doors or dresser drawers being left slightly open c. you wear white jeans jackets, or any jackets with rhinestones or fringe d. you immediately notice when something isn't symmetrically ordered e. you can't concentrate if 'stuff' is left out on counters or around the house f. you make your bed the second after you get up g. you find yourself smoothing out the edges of all the Scrabble tile pieces already played on the board h. you'd never get glass-doored cabinetry or open shelving because you can't stand to see the everyday contents on display i. when your nail polish is chipping, you repair it immediately j. you straighten the hanging guest towels in other people's houses :-)