Hi everyone, I've installed several Toto toilets, use them exclusively in my home and would like to offer some advice that'll address the two core complaints mentioned in this thread: the dripping sound and the flush problems. 1) The dripping sound is due to the Toto's proprietary roughin adapter and how it mates to the floor's flange. One trick I've found is to use a hot-glue gun and glue a zip-tie to the toilet's exit port so any trickling water is gracefully conducted down the zip-tie and onto the adapter. You must be sure the zip-tie is secured onto the 'front' portion of the exit hole and extends 2 inches or so beyond the hole or it won't work. 2) Toto is famous for their flushing. They use a superior 'swiggle' in the exit tube to improve the vacuum. The ONLY cause for a poorly flushing Toto is a flawed installation of the 'waxie'. The 'waxie' is the wax seal used where the adapter mates to the floor flange. If it's moved, even slightly during installation (or even during the toilet's use if the floor bolts are not secure and the toilet slightly rocks), the waxie develops pin-holes that breaks the seal (and thus the vacuum). So, if you don't experience an impressive sucking effect each time you flush, it's the seal. Just replace it. I hope this helps everyone to solve the distracting dripping sound common to Toto toilets, and explains the mystery of why some people love the flushing action of their Toto toilet, while others are forced to use a plunger.

Did you try using the same temperature light that Home Depot uses ? They probably use some type of fluorescent in the store, right ? I know many hate fluorescent lighting but if it gives you the proper color, who cares. I loved that color and was considering those cabinets. I had the MS catalog and loved every single kitchen in it and the sea salt counter. You are correct in thinking that the taupe paint/lighting(and floor color)might be affecting it also. The taupe might be pulling them down. Check the undertones in that paint. BM can tell you. All colors are affected by what they are next to. I struggled with this while trying to learn color correction of 4/C photos for printing(books). BM has a website called myperfectcolor where you can post photos(post the cabs, floor or anything that might affect them) and get guidance for paint colors. List the paint color that you currently have in your query. They really try their best to help, but posting photos will get you a faster more detailed answer. Do you know how I know this ? I put LED in UCL and just recently put fluorescent cove lighting (T5)above cabinets. I'm not using both lights at the same time so I don't care if they are different temps. Wow, my floors look so much more colorful with the fluorescents.Also the paint that was too dark looks bright and cheery(although still not a match for my floor so I'm repainting :( Here is a link that might be useful: myperfectcolor

Thank you all. I have a layout thread already so I didn't want to post again. I will link it here. Since I'm pretty much stuck with the u shape with island base cabinet sitting where it is now, I'm thinking my best bet is to expand into dining room and use the floor I have to fill in the 2 or so feet we are expanding on the island seating side. I'll have a 15 or 18 inch overhang to get my island to 42 or 48 inches. Other option is simply use tile which I would rather not do. I think it's too much hassle just to get a couple more inches on the sink to island aisle. http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3873166/3-layout-options-need-thoughts-please?n=22 The entire first floor except bathroom and bedroom have the wood floor.

I feel your pain. Disengage from the process. Let your friend do what he wants. I can imagine you see all sorts of possibilities for creating a wonderful space despite the limitations of the kitchen. Your friend is looking for expediency and simplicity and most of all doing it his way. I watched this play out between my mother and my aunt once or twice, and then my mother disengaged and just nodded along with whatever my aunt said and everybody was happy- my aunt never managed to make a project look the way she had hoped, but she was not willing to spend the time, money and effort into getting the better result.