Thanks for the nudge Breezy and Fishies! It's long over due. See my link below... drbeanie2000 - you better believe it! Yes, I love my kitchen (and the rest of the house) mostly because it's all mine and we are settled. All the little things I agonized and fretted over don't seem so worrisome now. Actually, all the little things I own and will go on the "in the next house" list. ha! All in all, I am happy will all my choices and am thoroughly enjoying it all! What more could I ask for, eh? Here is a link that might be useful: my full spec reveal post

annekendo: it sounds like etching. it's inevitable and no way to avoid. a honed surface will mask it better than polished. i don't think anyone will notice. marble is just too beautiful for anyone to go around looking for imperfections, especially when they are expected. i haven't heard of the "seal & enhance" but i'll be sure and buy that too, being as i appreciate overkill. jkillorin: i've only sealed a sample (about 2' square) but it doesn't feel as if there's any film or residue. i believe marble is one of the more porous stones, so the sealer (whichever you use) will get soaked in. from what i understand it will help prevent staining, but if something does manage to leave a mark it will fade away in time. this has at least been my experience. GL!

FWIW I got a Swanstone counter with integrated sink in white. Its solid white (and I love it - so easy to clean). Bought it at big orange for cheap, after reading so poor reviews for cultured marble (which wasn't that much cheaper).

Breeze: This is a Lavanto I installed a while back. The "ledge" in front of the faucet deck is matched by the one you can't see in the front. I installed it with a slight positive reveal on the sides because that is the most practical, most sanitary, least maintenance, and best looking method. Surprisingly, I had to recut the rabbet in the cutting board that came with the sink; it was too small. The sink it replaced: