Hi Bill, I have seen mention of this Mapei on other threads and did a google search and came up with a lot of foreign-language links. Who makes it? Or better yet, can you give me a link to a website? (Also, I sent you an email - did you get it? I noticed another tile installation disaster today. Our Master Bath floor has been covered for protection until today when part of it was exposed while the double vanity was installed. The large 16" square honed Calcutta Gold tiles are not centered on any of the walls, so there are really off grout lines at the center of the vanity. It is really obvious and when I think about it I literally want to cry :( . This is our forever house and everywhere I turn, a tile job is done badly. I could really use a good referal!)

fyi, the rims can be painted after installation. Charliedawg, our plugs are perfect. With the lakeview, fireplace, tv, open kitchen and arches to DR and foyer, there is really only one natural place for our sofa. I knew we wanted to put a sofa table behind it, so we left room for that and enough room to walk between table and the cedar posts at the kitchen opening. The electrician said there was no rush since the plugs were going into the main level, which is second story, so we were able to wait until house was framed to decide exactly where they were going. DH and I used empty boxes to place where the sofa and measured to make sure there was enough room behind for table. (You can see the two cans in the kitchen we didn't need :( ) Here is a link that might be useful: Great room

Hi Everyone, Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and show us your beautiful kitchens. Leela-which knobs/pulls did you from RH? Love your soapstone countertop. Anthomeinva- Will look at the Dakota knobs. I see you have beautiful soapstone, too. Badgergal-We hadn't heard of Hickory Hardware and will investigate; beautiful cabinets. Prospect-Looks like you have soapstone countertops, too. We love your floor. Enduring-Love your backsplash; what material did you use? Sloane-We think your photos convinced us to select satin/brushed nickel. Lovely view! Labbie-We will look at Top Knobs web site - beautiful kitchen Mayflowers-the ORB does not look dated and is a nice choice for you kitchen-especially with the lighter floor and counters. Thank you all again for taking the time to post photos of your beautiful kitchens and share information. As you may have noted I wanted soapstone (not so much DH). We did not choose soapstone because I was scared off by the discussions about softness. I still LOVE the way it looks, especially with natural cherry. MJ

My cooktop is only 36", but the range hood is 48" and the two pot storage drawers are also 48". I don't find them too large at all. To support the weight of heavy pots, they have heavy duty full extension glides, but they still work perfectly after nearly five years of constant use. I can pull them out with one pinky hooked in one handle. They glide closed with a bump of the knee. It's a great arrangement, and one of the smartest things I did in this kitchen.