Faucet and sink combo for a Plain English inspired kitchen revamp

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

After the help I got figuring out my bulkhead dilemma yesterday, I figured I'd get feedback on my faucet choices before I pull the trigger. I'm going for a Plain English/Devol, casual, modern country look. I'm painting out the existing shakers white, and will use unlacquered brass knobs and bin pulls. We're going to do Ikea's Hammarp oak butcher block, and I'm thinking about bleaching it a bit before sealing it

I'm going to go with an undermount sink rather than rebuilding the cabinet box and having new doors made to accommodate an apron sink. I'm pretty settled on the Houzer Porcela. The price is really good and so are the reviews.

I'm less settled on the faucet. I'm leaning toward a bridge faucet in brass or black/oil rubbed bronze. But then I find myself also liking the Delta Trinsic in matte black or champagne bronze. I wish I could find an unlacquered brass faucet at a low price point, because $1500+ for the Waterstone pull-down I like is not happening.

Here are are the black bridge faucets I'm thinking about:

Featured Answer

Wendy

7 years ago

Wow! Looks awesome so far. Good for you!

I like the look of the wood backsplash. My only issue is water. I've had wood counters & backsplash in the past and loved them, but the water behind the faucet was issue. It could have been because mine was such a tight fit and it was hard to keep it dry back there. If you have enough space, I'd go for it.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (57)

jhmarie
7 years ago
Just to let you know, the Kolher Whitehaven "short apron" style farmhouse sink can be installed on a standard cabinet base. I installed this in my resent kitchen refresh.

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~58830325

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~54994093

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~58831076

It comes in different colors and has a two bowl option also.
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
Jhmarie, the sink cabinets in my kitchen don't have false drawers so this wouldn't work. I considered a cast iron drop-in from Kohler, but I think I prefer this undermount one.

Lily'smom, I don't like pull down sprayers that look like trumpet parts. I have one now and it really isn't for me. And I think you're right that shiny would be better. I do really like the black bridge faucet with the white knobs though...

Mans Anglophilia, thank you for pointing out the importance of timelessness. That's something I somehow blanked on. I still like the black faucets though... I'm ordering online from photos and am worried the brass will be yellow and gaudy.
Related Discussions
My Kitchen Personified In This Design
Q
Comments (26)
First about splashing faucets and sinks. Hmmm, I have a new undermount stainless sink waiting for the new kitchen, just a single 30 inch wide sink, and it is about 15 inches front to back, I think. Cannot remember cuz it's been in the garden shed for almost 2 years waiting waiting. No holes for it. I also have the arched tall single handle faucet, you can turn it from a solid stream to a spray, or press a button and hold so the water stops while you pull out the hose. My current sink has two bowls, the middle does create a problem, which is why I am getting rid of it. Also, I cannot set anything like a glass down in it, it slopes so much the glass falls over. NOT a good design. The new sink has its hole near the back middle of the sink, so the piping beneath leaves more usable space for keeping STUFF below. Like my roll out trash bin I think. But what was I saying....oh.....I don't have any splashing. I like my faucet, which will be used again when I redo the kitchen. That's what I bought it for, just could not wait because the OLD faucet made a wet mess under the sink and got everything soggy. I don't suppose I uploaded a shot of my faucet, but I think it is a Moen. Looks good, works good. And with a single bowl sink, I can let my parrot who likes to take a tub bath play in the sink undisturbed. Now HE does a LOT of splashing. And my new sink is 10 or 11 inches deep. Sort of squared in the corners. We have ONE item left in the PODS to remove, a wide low chest, and then I can think of something different. Somehow all the boxes fit in my study and in the Teahouse. Of course, everything will come out of the house when we begin the kitchen remodel, since it involves the floors in the whole house. I think I'll be going for the narrow ash Bellawood floors, even in the kitchen, but I'll have to look at the whole plan before saying for sure. And if I can spec the cabinets properly, I like the IKEA wood cabs....just not sure I'll order all the pieces I want, and 400 miles up to Atlanta is a long road to do twice for some item that I neglected to order. And, with trades sitting around waiting on me, I'd freak out. What I REALLY REALLY want to do, is get a contractor in the Mobile area interested in becoming an IKEA installer and driving to get the cabs himself, it would be a great sideline. The basic cabs for ALL IKEA cabs are Rationel and could be kept on hand given adequate storage space, then just the stylish pieces picked up for individual customers. Like, I'd want the sort of beadboard cab doors and end panels. Or the kind that are a bit Prairie style in white satin finish. Some beadboard in my kitchen, but not everything. DH wants (or so he says) wooden cabs. But he does not know how expensive custom cabs can be. I'd like to have NICE cabs, just the base cabs mostly drawers, open shelves instead of upper cabs. Two tall pantries either side of a window seat in the dining room, storage beneath. And then two tall cabs either side of the French door fridge, and some overhead across that entire area for seldom used decorative items. Glass doors in that high up area, with lighting inside the cab on dimmers, preferable LED or 12 volt LED, not the kind that puts out heat. Basically, the kitchen itself is a galley style. On the south wall will be the fridge set up, then the sink setup and then the pantry/window seat setup. I think of this as one side of the kitchen, even though it won't be a flat plain row. There will be a brief little protrusion of a cabinet/peninsula pimple between the sink and the fridge, so I can set things there to put into the fridge or to take out of the fridge. On the other wall of the kitchen, the north wall if you will, but again not in a straight line, not all facing into the kitchen, will be the walkway/opening to the master bedroom, just inside the door from the deck, then the stacking laundry center, then a cabinet beside the range, then the range, a work space on the other side of the range at least 3 feet long, then a 42 inch high bar perpendicular to the cooking side of the kitchen, with room for just 2 stools. Those stools will be in the present dining room though. The walls at both ends of this kitchen space will mostly come out, leaving the solid part above doorways and trimming it out with the open soffit style white painted shelving that I love in the kitchen which started this thread off. My counter top on the sink side of the kitchen will be Silestone Stellar Snow, which is the same sort of white/gray/sparkly color we have up in DH's little cape. On the other side, the cooking side, I want a stainless steel counter top on both sides of the range. The section of one cab I'm thinking to have a nice butcherblock top, and over that I want a really good, but small potrack. I love good pots. Inside the kitchen itself, a total shelf about 15 inches down from the ceiling to go entirely around the room. A squarish range vent which does not block the view from the bar stools out the back door. The back wall of the kitchen will face the deck and my back garden. So I want to make sure it is a good view. I'm still thinking of increasing the size of the window over the sink, and lowering it to counter height, so it has that infinity edge look. That's where I stand and watch the wild birds come to our feeder. If I do that infinity look, I won't worry about splash on the beadboard behind the counters on that side of the kitchen. One problem which my DH is concerned about is the location of the laundry. First, I might have to draw it for you. But, not now. See if this description makes sense: I want to put the laundry on the inside wall of the space that used to be the back porch. That porch is about 6.5 feet wide, so the dryer exhaust would have to run UP that wall and across overhead to exit out toward the back deck. It could be hidden in a thingy just above the doorway to our master bedroom. I'm planning to have a surface mounted sliding barn door to the bedroom, so the door will be 36 inches wide, and slide away beside the laundry center. Yeah, I'll have to draw that. My DH says the laundry will have to be located on an outside wall. I don't want to do that, I want a clean sweep of nothing but glass along that back wall through the kitchen and into the new back of the bedroom. Yep, this kitchen redo will also add some space to our master bedroom. Okay, don't fret yourselves about that laundry. But I just want to know if a laundry absolutely HAS TO BE on an outside wall. I thought just so the ducting for the dryer was less than 96 inches, it could be on an inside wall. Only ONE 90 degree turn in what I propose. Up one wall, across the ceiling and straight outdoors. It's a stacking unit, so the dryer vent is already near the top of the interior wall. Does anyone know about dryer codes? I bet Shades does. :) Hmmm, I can tell I'm getting tired. It's been a long day. G'night, ladies....and gents too.
...See More
Cheerful Sunny Kitchen with Old World & Traditional influences
Q
Comments (62)
Okay I've composed myself and now maybe I can gather my thoughts and try and express how much I LOVE YOUR KITCHEN! I drooled over your 114 photos and should have been taking notes as I went along so I could remember all of the many details that have me gaga. First of all, that view into your kitchen through the archway is magnificent. Well planned. I can tell so much was well planned and so thought out. Kudos to you and your team of wizards that created this dream kitchen. The back splash came out fantastic! We haven't done ours yet but I still have my eye on that manufacturer (because of you) and I know I have a photo of it and the name of it on the desk top of my other computer to remind me when we're ready. The colors of the backsplash, cabinets (oooooh the cabinets are such a gorgeous color!) counters and flooring go so very well together. Love the depth and warmth of colors! And your pendants are stunning. I love the color and texture of the glass. Again they go so well with everything else you picked . . . blending into this warm, inviting blend of kitchen happiness. Now that chandelier . . . I'm mad at you!!!! I didn't see that one when I was fervently searching for my perfect chandy. NOW I WANT THAT ONE!!!! Mine just has lost it's appeal. Yours would be perfect in my space. If you get tired of it and want to switch on and off with mine I'd be very open to the idea, lol. Seriously, it is just lovely. The view looking up is especially lovely. I bet you're in heaven. What have I forgot to gush about in this moment of bliss. Oh, you're pantry came out so fantastic . . . so functional too. I love having my pantry goods on not so deep shelves so things don't get lost in the back. It looks like your shelves are just right . . . you can fit so much. Is that where you keep your coffee maker and other small appliances? Do you use them from the pantry? Are you loving cooking in your new kitchen? It looks functional and organized in addition to being beautiful. Oh and the ceiling . . . wow. You and Eliz certainly know how to treat a ceiling!! I love the architectural design of the whole thing!! It's amazing really. The bead boarding is a perfect touch. The color is perfect. I'm so happy for you and your family. Now live a long, long life, cook lots of incredible meals and enjoy plenty of wonderful moments that create fabulous memories. Oh, and I love the floors (wink).
...See More
What do you think of these English kitchens?
Q
Comments (31)
I've been playing a lot of British TV shows (fiction)--though I do seem to look at them long enough to see the kitchens. I don't know what's happening in British design circles, or what people are putting in IRL, but the kitchens of the middle classes in the TV shows are very similar to the kinds of kitchens we've been making here. Either there's a lot of under-reported crossover (people do tend to notice the differences more than the similarities, often enough), or the set designers there are highly influenced by our magazines and/or GW. To the point, painted Shaker-style cabinets, stone counters, what we call "farmhouse" sinks, bin pulls, islands, bridge faucets and goosenecks. Yes, there are Aga cookers in some. Not nearly the quantity of stainless. Overall, nothing foreign, however. :)
...See More
Kitchen is so plain, please help me with hardware
Q
Comments (20)
Thanks everyone! Glad that some people think it's look OK. I don't think it's heinous, just I didn't get the "oooo! ahhh!" feeling like I did with my bathroom (this is a different stain). Although I agree will look better when the inset sink doors are in and with hardware. ETA: I like the look in the pics from mdlin, does mine look like that? The inset drawer boxes in the 21" vanity cabinets are exactly 3" shorter than the overlay drawers in the 24" kitchen cabinets, so I'm hoping if I wanted to change the fronts, I could reuse the boxes. Thanks for the feedback on bin pulls, I'm going to get some samples. A lot of my inspiration pics have bin pulls, and I think beefier hardware will look better. Any other thoughts on the hardware color? I'd love to strip the paint in the dining room one day. Maybe if the kitchen and bath ever get finished! The contents of kitchen, bath, and 1 bedroom are in the dining and living room, so looks like Hoarders right now.
...See More
jhmarie
7 years ago
That is too bad the sink won't work for your cabinet but I am glad that you are very happy with the undermount you have picked. I am not sure of the expected lifespan of a faucet, but since it is one of the easier and often less expensive surfaces to change, I would be less concerned with timelessness except if you thought you might get tired of a unique choice yourself.

I initially was going to get a two handled like your first pics but I had a two handle in my old sink and it was hard to get the right flow and temperature - I seemed to be always fussing with it while cleaning fruit and rinsing dishes. It was not a great faucet anyway - a inexpensive fill in till I could get my renovations done. After much thought, I switched to the one handle version of the same design that I wanted. I also have the one handle pulled almost to the front and to the left because that is the hand I frequently use to turn the faucet on.

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~58831076

This helps keep drips from my wet hands in the sink and off the counter. This is my first undermount sink and I had been warned about water dripping on the deck around the faucet from turning off and on the water - but that might not be a concern to you.

I really initially wanted the look of the two handled but then my daughter said she thought the one handles really looked more "old fashioned - Victorian" - like a pump, than the two.

My faucet is a Danze Opulence and both a one and two handled version come in "tumbled Bronze".

My plumber liked the faucet - heavy. One complaint in online reviews was that the aerator had to be unscrewed and rinsed out several times the first two days - and I did have this happen, however it has worked beautifully since then.
aprilneverends
7 years ago
Go with what you like.

Both brass and oil rubbed bronze should be of higher quality to look good though..chrome is always chrome, nickel is always nickel, you can't really tell a difference. At least not right away. With ORB you know right away whether it's good or bad..

I do like the bridge and the colors you're inclined to go with, judging by your description of your kitchen. I probably like the black/ORB more, given you'll have unlacquered brass pulls..

I went with a functional nice Kohler's faucet, in stainless steel, instead of going with the copper one I really wanted. (it was of visibly poorer quality, and my husband didn't like that fact, so he talked me into this stainless steel thingy)

The pulls/knobs are finished in antique silver, very nice and subdued yet still shiny a bit..this stainless steel is too matchy matchy on one hand, too drab in comparison to them on the other hand. Every time I look at it I wish I'd get a copper one. Maybe get a more expensive one to be sure about quality.

It doesn't matter to me whether copper's considered timeless or not, I loved it all my life so for me it's timeless.
PRO
Anglophilia
7 years ago
Look at Waterstone and Perrin & Rowe faucets. They are gorgeous faucets and come in a variety of finishes. Yes, they ARE expensive, but you'll have it for decades and enjoy it. You will find these online heavily discounted as well.

When I got my faucet 13 years ago, I wanted one in two metals as I've mixed metals all over my kitchen and I felt that would say I planned it this way. I went with a Perrin & Rowe faucet in satin nickel (would have preferred polished but not available) with polished brass trim. I kept it when I redid my kitchen this spring/summer. The faucet is still available but no longer in two metals - impossible to find. My pulls are unlacquered polished brass and I have a collection of polished copper in the kitchen as well - also stainless dishwasher and refrig and a 1948 stove with more polished chrome than a 50's Cadillac. Amazingly, it all works.
User
7 years ago
I have an English kitchen and decided against a bridge due to cleaning. I also did not want to deal with two handles to mix. Went with Rohl Country C spout kitchen faucet with a nice arch and small lever (not sold any longer).
jhmarie
7 years ago
Allison - I followed the link - such a beautiful kitchen and beautiful home! Your laundry room has a pretty "victorian" faucet too.
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Allison, what a beautiful kitchen!

I had hoped to save some money somewhere as we're redoing all the floors, etc. but I'll look into the Rohl and Waterstone options. If only the Canadian dollar weren't so weak!
mrspete
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
and decided against a bridge due to cleaning.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. The bridge faucets are "too fussy" for my taste; I like the simpler lines.
User
7 years ago
Thank you, both. Forgot to mention (grandson is here) that mine has a living finish. That's why the lever is now brass. Also where I grab the sprayer. We used RH Bistro faucets in the MBA, an ORB finish. It is so dark it's almost black. We've been here 10 years this month and they are still dark, all but part of my sink drain rim which has exposed brass. Little quirks like this do not bother me, as I like natural patina. Anyway, the Bistro is made by Newport Brass. They have a gazillion finishes. The kitchen, laundry and coffee station (both Italian copper faucets) were ordered on ebay.

Me too, MrsPete.
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
I just bought this unlacquered brass Rohl on eBay. Thanks for all the ideas and thoughts. I hadn't even considered cleaning a bridge faucet.
PRO
Anglophilia
7 years ago
Gorgeous! What a find! Yes, cleaning under a bridge faucet is a pain.
friedajune
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Love that Rohl! Before I saw your last post, I was going to advise you not to get a 2-handle faucet. Despite if you like the looks, a 2-handle faucet is a PITA to have to use in the kitchen with the need to fiddle with each handle each time you turn on the water. But then you chose the perfect faucet-- 1-handled but with the look you want. Plus Rohl is a company with a good reputation. Congrats!
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I don't know that I'd have considered that style until I saw Allison's faucet, and the fact that it's unlacquered sealed the deal.
User
7 years ago
Nice! Look forward to seeing your finished kitchen.
aprilneverends
7 years ago
Very nice!! looks real fab

(why oh why didn't I think of checking E Bay for faucets? I checked it for everything but faucets..was stuck on the new ones plus our Craigslist. Silly me.)
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks everyone. Now where do I find a sink drain basket to match?!
cpartist
7 years ago
Funny, I've had a single handle and I'm definitely doing a two handle bridge faucet in my new build. One reason is I love the look of a bridge faucet, but the other reason is with a single handle, I can never get the water temp quite right, whereas in my bathroom, where I have two handles, I get it right almost immediately.

That's a beautiful faucet you snagged soft punk.
friedajune
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
But in a bathroom, you do not have hands that just touched chicken, or are smeared with spaghetti sauce, cookie dough, or are greasy, etc. With a one-handled kitchen faucet, you can even use the back of your hand in one motion to turn on the water (sometimes I use my pinky--the only clean spot on my hand). I have not experienced the issue you mention of not getting the water temp right with a single-handled faucet - it must depend on the faucet.

Softpunk - Rohl makes sink strainers in several finishes - perhaps because it's the strainer (at the bottom of the sink so not that visible), one of the finishes is close enough to your faucet. It looks like the product numbers are 733, 734, 735, 736, 737, 738. I am not sure what the differences are among those. Here is their page on their website: Rohl Kitchen Accessories

Question - will you be having a disposal? If so, then you won't need to buy a sink strainer.
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
No disposal Friedajune, and unfortunately they only have them available in "Inca Brass" which is a very shiny and very gold looking brass. I'd assume most polished brass basket strainers will be PVD coated so there's no lacquer for me to strip, and I'm stuck with shiny brass without a patina. Any ideas?
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
I found it and it's horribly reviewed so I think I'd better find a better option. https://www.faucet.com/rohl-735-unlacquered-brass-basket-strainer-without-pop-up/f2548141
jhmarie
7 years ago
Martha Stewart did a video about removing the lacquer from bright brass. Perhaps you can find a bright brass strainer and experiment.

http://www.marthastewart.com/911871/how-remove-lacquer-brass-fixtures
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
I already bought the unlacquered brass faucet Lily'smom. But you're right, that champagne bronze might be a closer match to it than lacquered brass would.

Jhmarie, I actually stripped the lacquer off my hardware using an even easier method: in a pot of boiling water with baking soda added. The problem is that faucets and other sink hardware are usually coated in something different altogether which is basically impossible to remove without a degree in advanced chemistry and a lab with an industrial fume hood.
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
Right. If it's something that isn't coated in PVD I could potentially strip it chemically like Martha or the boiling water trick, or physically with sand paper. I just emailed Wayfair asking about the coating on several strainers. Thanks for the idea!
friedajune
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Softpunk, no need to strip it, etc. Watermark has the sink strainer you need. Watermark is a company that makes very high-end fixtures, pretty much custom. It is not to be confused with "Waterstone". I happened to see one of the Watermark faucets on display at a kitchen showroom. I was fascinated with how heavy it was, how industrial. They told me 3 months to order. This photo shows one option, but you can put together the fixtures in different combinations.

But anyway, Watermark makes accessories too, like this sink strainer (from website). Here it is for sale: Watermark Basket Strainer WM-MBS1 in several choices of finishes

Here is Watermark's Finishes page. If you page down to the bottom (keep clicking on "more finishes" to get to see more), you will see "UPB - Uncoated Polished Brass".

For fun, here is a close-up. I wish you could feel how these feel in your hand. The faucet with side spray that I saw on display was about $3000, just sayin'.
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
It's about twice what I'd like to spend, but... it would really work well!
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
To follow up, Wayfair got back to me on the strainers I asked about and one of them will work! It's not super cheap but it's half the price of the Watermark one, so that's something. ;)

https://www.wayfair.ca/Basket-Strainer-Drain-NKBS1-BFT2563.html
User
7 years ago
Check Newport Brass as well. Numerous finishes available.
CEFreeman_GW DC/MD Burbs 7b/8a
7 years ago
OMG what a great find in that faucet!
I was immediately leaning towards the brass, bright or not, but that's PERFECT. It fits more in your English theme than the more modern faucets, IMHO.

I have antique brass, Cifal (I can't remember how to spell it) in my kitchen and love its warm glow. I have pretty much moved to antique brass everywhere, unless the cabinet itself needs more. (My refinished cherry cabinets get black iron.)

I can't wait to see your kitchen!
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
What a drag... I got the basket strainer delivered today and it was both damaged and PVD coated, and not unlacquered/uncoated like the Wayfair customer service people repeatedly assured me it would be.
I'll check out Newport Brass and am open to any other suggestions (for $100 or less).
Wendy
7 years ago
I was having a hard time finding a disposal flange and stopper in the unlacquered brass. Seemed they were being discontinued everywhere. I got both on ebay. Maybe you will have the same luck looking for a strainer there. (Also saved quite a bit compared to what they were originally.)
Wendy
7 years ago
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rohl-735-ULB-Unlacquered-Brass-Basket-Strainer-without-Pop-Up-AML573-/381779431906?hash=item58e3d3d1e2:g:XDgAAOSwOyJX4F2k
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks Wendy. I've messaged the seller to find out if they'll ship to Canada. Meanwhile I also found an unlacquered brass strainer by "Trim to the Trade" for half the price of anything I've seen anywhere else. I also can't find any information or reviews on the product or company. Has anyone ever heard of it?
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
Well, I did buy that Rohl basket strainer, but then the seller cancelled my order 10 days later because they decided they wouldn't ship to Canada. I was just about to place an order on a Newport Brass basket strainer set in uncoated brass, but I just feel sick about the idea of spending $170 (exchange rate) for a drain.

SO... Since the sink is white enamel, would it be the end of the world to use a white powder coated or enamel basket strainer set? Brass faucet, white sink, white drain? I know it's not as good BUT it's also $100-150 less money, which I could spend elsewhere.

I should add that we just had to deal with a horrible drainage problem the sellers didn't disclose, so I'm not loving all the spending we've done this month.

So... white?
User
7 years ago
Why not. I had an off white American Standard cast iron sink with off white strainer for about 15 years. Still looked new when I donated to our local zoo. If you hate, it can always be replaced later.
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
It just seems like a wasted opportunity to inject some brass. But it also seems crazy to spend almost $200 on a plug and a drain, so...
PRO
Anglophilia
7 years ago
You know that only you will ever see that sink trim - it won't show from across the room. I have satin nickel but since I have a disposal, my flange is polished chrome and, picky as I am (and I AM picky!), it doesn't bother me at all.
lookintomyeyes83
7 years ago
I skimmed so I may have missed it, but FYI, the champagne bronze is NOWHERE NEAR brass colored. Ordered it for towel bars, was very disappointed. Its WAY more grey/silver, with only a hint of brass to it.
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
Okay, I'm strongly considering the white then. It sounds like metals ones powder coated or otherwise have problems with peeling when exposed to boiling water. Is this a case where it's better to go with plastic?

And yes, the champagne bronze looks very cool. I don't think it would work with the faucet I got, which is natural golden brass. And antique brass is too dark. It's tricky.
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
Alison, how is your butcher block holding up around the sink? What is it sealed with?
Wendy
7 years ago
I think the white will work well.
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
I splurged and went with the brass. The wait won't be that big of a deal since everything else is so behind schedule anyway!

Next round of questions:

Should I do a small backsplash in butcher block? Our countertops will be exclusively butcher block and the backsplash white shiplap. I quite like the look of the wood back splashes in the DeVol and Plain English kitchens shown here. Yay or nay? If you like them, how tall and how thick should they be? Also in this one photo attached the backsplash is installed behind the counter rather than on top which is how I'd imagine doing it. Any idea which is preferable? I was going to do IKEA solid oak counters but have accepted that it really can't be a DIY job since I chose an undermount sink with curved corners and don't have the skill to confidently make that cut. We'll spend a bit more on having them and and finished, ready to install. I'm leaning toward Eastern Maple because it's hard and quite pale. That's a better choice than very old reclaimed fir I'd imagine, even if it has a cool backstory.
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
More photos.
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
Here's where we're at with things so far. We removed the uppers and countertops, the new floors went down, the cabinets and trim are being painted BM Snowfall White and the walls are White Blush. I'm attaching a before as well. The previous owners liked slate and cherry. I thought it was really dark and not appropriate for a colonial farmhouse. I'm attaching a mock-up of the far wall as well. We're waiting for Black Friday sales before we buy our induction range. I wish Jenn-Air had better promotions but some they don't we'll probably go with Kitchenaid.
romy718
7 years ago
Love those new floors. The white cabinets look great. Keep us updated. Sorry, I have no intelligent input about a wood backsplash.
mayhemingway thanked romy718
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you both. I'm so happy with how the floors have turned out. The installer took weeks longer than expected, but he did a beautiful job.

Wendy, my sink is actually quite shallow. If I do 26" deep countertops, I could place the sink 4" off the counter edge, provide 1.75" from back sink edge to the front of the faucet, and then would have 2.75" from the back of the faucet to the wall. So the faucet is roughly 2.5" wide at the base, and there would be 7" between the back of the sink to the wall.

How thick would the wood backsplash be? I assumed around 5/8" to 3/4". That should give me room to keep the space between it at the faucet clean and dry.

The thing I'm hung up on now though is that in all the examples of kitchens I've seen with wood backsplashes, there's no backsplash above it at all. I guess I'd need to choose between either shiplap or the 3-4" tall wood backsplash, and I couldn't do both?
nancyjwb
7 years ago
I have wood counters with a short wood backsplash. Nothing above it, just painted wall. This is only on my stove wall though, not behind my sink, so I can't speak to durability around water. I can post a pic of mine tomorrow.

I wouldn't do shiplap. I think it's a trend that will be the next "what were they thinking!". Just my opinion. Do your inspiration kitchen in the plain English style have shiplap?
mayhemingway
Original Author
7 years ago
Nancy, you're totally right. When I look at all my inspiration photos they don't use shiplap, but rather tongue in groove vertical boards as shown in these photos attached. And that does seem more timeless. And they do incorporate the short wood backsplash most of the time. Do you think the paneling is installed behind the wood backsplash or on top of it? How would that work behind the range? I don't think there will be room for the wood backsplash because I just discovered the induction ranges I've been looking at are almost 29" deep and my counters will be 26" I don't want the fame sticking out even further than that...
Wendy
7 years ago
I probably would not do a wood BS w/ horizontal shiplap, but would w/ vertical.

Personally, I don't see shiplap as trendy. It depends on the home. It's only trendy if you stick it in a house it shouldn't be in, in the first place. Otherwise, it's a classic when done right.