Why not something like Lidingo white, if you aren't wild about modern?

Also, you don't say where you are, but in some parts of CA you can get an 8ft prefab full bullnose counter in Chinese carrrara-ish marble for $50 plus installation.

Thanks writer. We will definately be going back to Ikea very soon and re-check the rest of the whites. They just openened one in Brooklyn, NY where I live. We bascially did a touch a test, and liked Abstrakt because it felt more substantial. We were kind of in a daze that we were actually making the 1st steps in our reno plan. So we were bascially sleepwalking through Ikea. Very strange indeed!

Yes, the Abstrakt is very nice if you like modern. I'd suggest going down to the As Is room and seeing if you can find a single door or drawer front of any style you're seriously considering as they look a lot different when not under the store lighting (usually a lot better). You may find you like something in your house that you didn't love in the store.

Two quick thoughts about IKEA cabs. Have you seen redrange's kitchen? Hers is an IKEA kitchen with a lot of on-site painting. I know that's not the style / color you're after, but it's such a terrific story and proves that with vision, one can achieve a lot.

And just the other day there was a post from someone who purchased IKEA boxes but Scherr's doors .... Did you happen to see that thread? More importantly, have you looked at Scherr's for their door styles / colors? Maybe they'll have a door and finish you prefer. ???

There are others who have posted in the past about trading sex for various accoutrements in the kitchen, so you are doing great if you are just trading kitchen finish A for kitchen finish B!

Your style sounds a lot like mine, so I look forward to watching your progress. Good luck!

Yay, this is excellent. Thank you both writer & rm!

Writer, I already have my $4 cab front. I had it cut into 2 small pieces and with a larger piece. It has already helped with the stone (ruling some out that is). Now if I could only get to the yard!

RM, I have seen your fab Kitchen here, if mine could look 1/2 as good I will be thrilled. I did not see that painted Ikea Kitchen, but have looked at that blog (most excellent resource!) it can be overwhelming late at night when I do this. Looks like the front will be cut into more pieces for painting purposes. I have Scherr's info but was frightened with the 3 month lead time. We close in a month. But will definately contact them once I have the Kitchen plan.

Hmmm....it hasn't come to sex yet, but give it time. Ha!

Thanks again!

Welcome to the forum, and I hope you can find Charlikins to compare NYC notes -- your whole city is just 1 mile square and everyone knows everyone, right? :)

Hi Dolly,

Welcome to the Forum and congratulations on your home purchase! I'm a Brooklyn limestone owner and have a very, very good sense of what you are going through. Unfortunately, I'm on my way out the door and can't tarry at this site right now but here are a few quick words of advice:

1. Please do join us at the NYC metro area get together of the GW TKO folks! We are meeting this coming Saturday, 7/12, at 12:30, @ the Blue Water Grill in Union Square. If you come, you will meet several of us who are in various stages of our renos and have lots of advice and tips to share with you. Plus, we just want to meet and mingle with as many of our great GW family as we can! For more details and to RSVP, see the link below.

2. I currently have Lidingo white cabs in my kitchen. Although I am struggling over whether they are staying or getting replaced with custom cabs, I think they are fabulous -- especially for the price. And their simple, raised panel design works quite well with my old house. If space, budget and time are challenges for you, I doubt seriously you could do much better than Ikea. Ikea rocks!

3. Do not worry about closing on your apartment in one month and the state of your kitchen! Best to get used to the idea that no matter what your timeframe is, your reno is unlikely to go exactly as planned. Although, given where you work, I'm sure you already know this! :) Maybe, at this stage, you might want to concentrate more on the design logistics and stocking of your temporary kitchen and just get used to the concept of delay and changes. And, of course, even in the midst of shouts and tears, remember to have fun!

More later!

Here is a link that might be useful: NYC GW Get Together, Saturday 7/12

The salesman we talked with convinced us not to go with the GE Cafe, because he said that it made the handle of the over-the-range microwave too hot to touch.

We went with the Profile for both range and microwave, which aren't quite as pretty, but they work for us.

I traded my husband the sink selection (he wanted double bowl, I wanted a single) for me getting the fridge placed where I wanted it. So Yes, bargaining was definitely fair game for us!

Thanks so much for the invite and feedback Martha, I am bummed I can't go to the GTG.

Interesting on the micro handle, Iz. I will mention that to my appliance contact.

Alku, it is very interesting what we are willing to trade! I wonder what will be next. Ha!