Hi Kim. I did use three colors of Lowes Laura Ashley Deep Cowslip. (By the way, that web page looks way pink on my monitor. Check out some paint chips at the store because, at least on my monitor, the color reproduction on that page is pretty bad.) I don't remember if it was 1, 2 and 3 or 2, 3 and 4, but I think the lighter ones. I started with a base coat of the middle shade. Then I mixed the lighter one 50/50 with a clear glaze, and used a a heavy stiff brush to paint Xs over the base coat, just working it and working it until it wouldn't spread anymore. Then I did the same thing with the darker tone; 50/50 glaze and work it work it work it. I think it came out all right; with practice I think it would have been more subtle, but I'll live with this. I essentially followed the instructions at FauxLikeaPro.

carree, the Hirsch tile is gorgeous, but waaaaay out of my price range. I'm going to post a new thread for BS help. I'm finally back with some more details and hopefully some better photos. We just got the new NXR installed and a few last minute details finished. We made our first "real" meal in the oven tonight! Whooppeee-- feels like a real kitchen now. For those who asked about the NXR, I will try to post in the appliance forum, but the first one arrived with damage (ordered from Costco). After trying to get it repaired with warranty company, we opted to just return it and get another one. Smart move... should have just done that from the start. Anyway, the 2nd one is the charm and it works well. I'm posting a few new photos just because I'm embarrassed by how blurry the first ones are. Maybe I should edit the original post? I posted the insides of my drawers in another thread. As for the MO shelf, it looks nice when it's closed and seemed good when it was planned, but not sure that I would do that again. It's hard to open the cabinet next to it if it's open and it's just a PITA to open and close it. We are not big MO users, but our kitty seems to insist on having his food heated for exactly 8 seconds! Thanks again for the help and BS suggestions.

Thanks :) a2gemini, I'm glad I'm not the only one w/ a DH who thinks papers add to the decor :) When I first met my husband and went over to his house, there were papers everywhere! He even kept old calendar pages that he never looked at stacked up on his dresser because "they were funny." I'm sure his office still looks like that, but I don't go over there!

just a quick catch-up on our cooktop. dacor finally, finally came through. we had to wait about 11 weeks for the replacement cooktop to come in. never apologies (except from the very nice local repair company who seemed shocked at the amount of time we had to wait.) i absolutely love the cooktop-- but would never, ever buy from them again. we wanted to buy california/u.s. made when possible-- who knew they simply would have no replacements anywhere when the first one was faulty. will share in the appliance section one day-- but wanted to catch up here. -kawh