Hi, I started with traditional stained glass but found it had to be more perfect to fit together, I hated putting the foil on, sometimes it would pull off, the lead was getting expensive, etc. Mosaics are more forgiving and there are so many other things to use along with the glass, this forum is so full of creative people there are new ideas every day. I think it's just more FUN to mosaic!

Our glass tile (mosaic) backsplash is a mix of glossy and frosted/matte glass tile strips, which is probably more "forgiving" than larger, all glossy tiles would be. Unless there's an obvious splash or splatter (eg., tomato sauce, beet juice...), I have to remind myself to wipe down the backsplash occasionally, as it rarely if ever looks dirty. :)

ncamy, I've been trying to think of who has leaded grass transoms, but haven't come up with anything for you. I thought of trailrunner (hi Caroline!), but I knew that hers aren't over sinks. Do you remember anything else about the kitchen you are looking for? warmfridge, the sink came with our 100 year old house, although I think it is from the 20s or 30s. We re-used it when we did our kitchen addition. She's got character, yes?

I was having issues posting from my phone so now I'm on my laptop and for some reason under a different user name. Anyway, thank you all for your input. I was able to get a rendering from my KD with the saddle stain. The countertop is not that color though - we will be going with Calacatta Miraggio Gold quartz which is much whiter and should brighten it up more. Haven't made the final decisions on backsplash but will definitely be in the white variety. We're also putting in four recessed LED lights and most likely a pendant over the sink - still thinking on that part, but there will be light over the sink. Below is a better picture of the floor sample with Saddle and Barley. I'm still thinking Saddle is the obvious choice, but what about Barley for the uppers? I'd still leave the base cabinets and the cabinets surrounding the oven and refrigerator saddle since they meet with the floor. If not Barley, maybe Shortbread? I don't have a sample, but below is from Kraftmaid's site. I've also posted the Saddle and Barley for reference since colors can look different in different light. I've never been a fan of the two-tone in the past, but I think that is because most of them are white on top and to me it just looks a little unfinished. No judgement against anyone who has done this - I'm the same way about white cars. I have issues, I know. Anyway, the two-tone is growing on me - probably from seeing so much of it on this site. I don't know anyone personally who has done the two tone so it's a newer concept to me. I've tried searching this site for inspiration photos, but most of them are a mix of painted and stained cabinets or have just the island a different stain. My kitchen is small and we do not have an island. Does the two-tone work better with larger kitchens? Or does it not work well with two kinds of stain? If anyone has any pictures of a kitchen with dark wood stained lowers and and a light wood stained uppers would you mind posting? I'd like to get an idea how it would look in real life. I know I can ask my KD to re-color the rendering, but real life pictures are always better IMO. Any input or suggestions are greatly appreciated - even if you think I'm off my rocker for even considering this!