With my other bathroom, I used this same gel stain and the plywood end next to the toilet was the spot I started with, and how I found this technique. I put the gel stain on with a dry brush, and coated it evenly. Then I dipped the brush in a cup of thinner and went over the whole thing, wiping off the excess onto a rag every so often. That thinned it without wiping it off. When it was the thickness I wanted - the right amount of grain showing through - I went over it one more time with just the very end of the brush and that feathered out most of the brush marks. But I sanded the plywood end on this bathroom down too much I think, and the gel just wasn't as workable. I didn't sand anything except that one end, so the rest should be easier. I also used a rag, a nylon one I think, to do the drawers and doors and didn't have any problem with it going on too thick or wiping off too much. I tried a cotton rag and it did take off too much.

I almost never post in this forum but read it avidly...too avidly I think. In case you decide against that console and look for something new (but spendy) I have an idea for you. I think it would be great with your rustic look. LOVE your home. Not sure how to embed a pic from an online catalog here, so I'll give you the link. I have the primitive demilune and it is beautiful and well made. There is a pretty cherry cabinet too. Here is a link that might be useful: sundance catalog

Ladies & Gentlemen... After perusing this site for a NUMBER of months, I have finally decided on cabinets and a counterop :) Phew! I like a clean modern look, so I am going to use dark cabinets (walnut-colored) with a marble (danby statuary or calcutta) countertop and a raised white subway tile backsplash. I have a ge monogram stove, jenn air micro and dishwasher, and a viking fridge. The appliances are all stainless with those uber-cool handles. The draw pulls will be those long skinny ones that mirror the handles on the appliances. The inspiration for my kitchen came from this site: http://www.southernaccents.com/accents/homes/architecture/article/0,14743,1174487,00.html You can type in "vintage modern kitchen" in google and it will come up. I can't load pictures because they are not mine :( I have not picked a sink, facuet, paint color, or flooring. The inspiration pics show a dark wood flooring, but that's too much dark for my small kitchen. I was thinking a grey tile/travertine but I wanted to pick the your brain for ideas. What color(s)/materials should I be leaning to for the floor? And what about paint colors? Thanks for your input!

You are right about the colors in the inspiration room rug pulling in all the colors of the room. Somehow I either overlooked it or didn't want to admit it. How does the saying go..."sometimes you don't see the forest because the trees are in the way"...haha... Anyway, I just fell in love with the stone medallion rug and was offered it for a great price because it was a return to a local place that makes them. It isn't the colors that I would have chosen, but I was trying to force it to work. It has no grout because it is made with a compouter controled water jet and all the pieces fit tightly together to form one big solid piece. It's really lovely, but you are right, the colors aren't the best for the design. I have changed original design a bit because I felt it was too Tuscan/Mediterranean for the house. I am using more rustic wood instead of so much cast concrete..though I am using the cast corbles that flank the radius ceiling. I wanted it to feel casual and rustic French, but with an elegant touch of "jewelry" that the crystal and possibly some glass tile accents would bring. The color swatch under the sink is such a bad representation of the vanity color! I attached a photo of a premade cabinet in a similar color and style to what I am having made. The wall color has not been determined yet. Any suggestions?! Thanks again! Your advice is really helping me see this from a different prespective. Did I mention I am a bit over my head with this project? This monster spec house has 10 bathrooms and not enough budget! I'll post some pictures as the project progresses.