Hi, I had this same dilemma when I installed my breakfast bar with a granite countertop. I didn't want to use corbels or other supports because I didn't want folks banging their knees and I don't like the look. I like that 'free float' look also. So, I actually purchase a custom cut metal plate, screwed it to top of the breakfast bar supporting wall, and then just layed the granite right on top. Make sure that your wall I had to go to a specialty machinist shop to get the metal plate (roughly 10 gauge), and they laser drilled holes and countersunk the holes so that I could screw flush into the metal. This is not sheet metal. It's a very thick, very heavy metal plate. I had screw holes countersunk and offset every 8 inches along the sheet metal. Also make sure that your top 2x4 is securely mounted. If you can add a 2x4 between each stud (directly under the top board, side nailed into the studs). Then, you can screw through the metal sheet securely onto not just the top 2x4, but also the 2x4 directly underneath it, giving you a very sturdy base to lay the granite on. You don't want the weight of the granite to rip the top 2x4 off. You can see the whole project at http://www.thegoodrumfamily.com/ayrlee.kitchen if you look at the pictures under the Saturday section and you can see the metal sheet, and see a small section how the top 2x4 is reenforced with another 2x4 underneath. Here is a link that might be useful: Ayrlee Kitchen Project

I have full bullnose, no seam. And yes, there is the issue with water run off but it's not like I don't KNOW when there's a spill and I just clean it up. It's not really a problem. However, I do have the eased edge in my powder room and would suggest that for any bathroom situation. Especially if you have kids and don't know every time there's water on the counter. I don't go and check the countertop every time they come out of the bathroom. I AM finding though that I actually like the look of the eased edge better than my full bullnose. It makes the granite look thicker and I'm wishing I'd just gone with the eased edge everywhere. In short, go with what YOU like for the kitchen, but for bathrooms I highly reccomend a simple eased edge.

Just for kicks, I checked some of the legs at that site I referenced. For a couple of samples, pine was just over $80, and oak and maple were $110 and 120 each. So you are looking at only a $40-60 savings. I frequently see pine furniture (including a piece this morning) and tell people if they want pine, they are going to get dents. Not maybe, definitely.

Have you tried the chairs with the arms under the table? In my experience, chairs with arms are a pain at so many tables as they bang into the table and don't allow you to scoot up well. The chair you pictured is very attractive though, and the arms look low, so maybe it's not a problem. Just thought I'd mention it.