Oh, the imitators don't bother me--I know full well that some of my choices are not mainstream, so I doubt the Vikkrell surround will catch on ;) But I copied so many aspects of so many different kitchens over on the kitchen forum--my computer's Kitchen Inspiration folder is gigantic!! This site is all about pay-it-forward! I loved being able to pick and choose little aspects of so many different kitchens/bathrooms...to me it is fun!! My sister-in-law and my mom and in the process of remodeling their kitchens and they do not seem to be enjoying it AT ALL. They just want it done and over with. I think I am one of a small percentage of people that actually ENJOY the whole process of it. And, don't get me wrong, I am the world's BIGGEST gardenweb fan--I don't know how any layperson gets through a major home remodel without this forum. And 90% of the people that I tell about this look at me like I have three heads or way too much time on my hands. My husband being one of them!! He appreciates the lower price items I find and some cool solutions to problems in our old house--but I would fall over if I ever caught him searching for something on GW! Just wouldn't happen! My ONLY complaint about gardenweb is that many people on here have MUCH larger budgets than I could ever imagine, so it's hard to see their BEAUTIFUL final products and not want the same thing. A LaCanche range in my kitchen??? To die for--and it would have looked fabulous!! But just buying that range would have been more than ALL of my appliances combined!! So I'm the cheapo-repro girl!! :) Sarah

The Southcenter AL didn't have anything special in the way of hoods when I was shopping last year. The manager said that their Lynnwood store (closer for you than driving to Southcenter) had many more hoods. That is also where they would send the AL employees for "training" on hoods. (I put training in quotes because I believe that they aren't taught as much about proper ventilation, etc., as they are just shown the offerings of their hood manufacturers.) VAH wasn't pushed on me heavily, but it does seem to be what they lead with. I received good phone customer service from Metropolitan in Sodo after Rhome410 highly recommended I speak with Jim there, but have never been in so can't speak to their hood selection. I think overall you won't find many island hoods for viewing in general around here. If money weren't an object (and you will get a better deal with being able to deal directly with the factory), I'd happily buy an MA sight unseen. I bought my clearance Rangecraft sight unseen and was not disappointed at all with the quality of the fit and finish. Sometimes you do get what you pay for.

I was finally able to see the Kohler Vinnata in person in a Lowes in another town, and the Delta Leland in HD. I do think the full size Vinnata is too big for me. I was surprised, though that the Leland spray head was plastic. I think the Kohler is "wrapped" in metal, but I don't remember where I heard/read that. Maybe it was here. Anyway, it felt more substantial. Of coarse my current old fashioned black spray head is plastic, too and it has never broken. Anyway, I would like to see the Vinnata prep faucet to see if it is enough of a size difference for me to be more comfortable with it. It is actually a little bigger than the leland but smaller than the full size vinnata in height according to the specs. Now I am wondering about a couple of others I saw. I found that I didn't find the height as much of a problem in more sleek, slender designs with smaller diameters in the neck, bases and spray heads. They might fit in a smaller kitchen a little easier, or just be easier to get used to in size. Sue

Usually people do like the deeper tubs for bathing. The size of Bellwether you are looking at is what I have. I didn't have the space for the 2" extra space, and I liked the clean lines of the Bellwether. I also only used that bathroom for an occasional bath. I used that bathroom mostly for bathing children so this height is better too even though my kids are grown there is a chance that this family farm house will see future generations, bathing kids :) I don't have a shower in this room. So, for bending over to bath kids and or pets, I like the shorter height. I love the clean lines too. Regarding interior size, it is a bit longer than the other tubs I looked at which I liked. It is narrow, but I fit in it just fine. I'm 5'7", I weight about (don't tell anyone) 195lbs. Granted the wider bath would be nice but it works for me with the occasional bath that I take. If you like the looks of the toto, get that. I don't think the extra height will be an issue at all unless you have mobility issues. Do put up a grab bar at the side (and at the back). This will take planning because there will need to be blocking installed between the studs, when the walls are open, the length of bar you will be installing. My side bar is 18" and the bar I put at the end is 24" and is used as the towel bar. I didn't want an actual towel bar in that location in case I should fall, I know I would grab it, and didn't want to pull it out of the wall. I think every thing in or near the tub should be rock soild. I don't seem to be able to link my photobucket picture to this sight. Photobucket looks different too:(