Jennifer Gilmer did my cousin's kitchen and bath. Beautiful work. 1950's small house with even smaller spaces with every inch made useful. Be sure you know what your budget is going into the project. You live in a very expensive metro area and want some very expensive changes. Are you prepared to spend as much on this bath as the average kitchen redo? (50K) Here is a link that might be useful: Jennifer GIlmer on Houzz

When I was doing my search, I spoke with Bramati, in Frederick. I had been to Marva and mentioned them to Christian Bramati. He told me that Bramati, NSI, out by BWI, and Marva, pretty much buy their stones from the same, and best supplier. The Marva store I went to was in MD; LOVED the stones but didn't like the salesman - could have been me though. Anyway, after having visited all of them a billion times, I found that those three actually had the better looking stones. Each had various selections though. I ended up going with ArcStone in Capital Heights, MD. My Fabricator - GranTops in Frederick was great. They have stones too but charged me extra to buy the stone at Arc. I went with it because I was just plain ole tired of this nonense. I worked very close to Arc and had been there probably 20 times (if not more). They knew me by my name. That day, I just got up from my desk and headed there. The stone I picked out just stood there looking at me. Arc has nice stones but every once in a while they have GREAT stones. Guess I was lucky that day - I love it, especially since it's installed. I've been to most of the places mentioneed here and I don't think you'll go wrong with either of them. The stone that you pick out will stand up and salute you - trust me. Everyone here told me that, and sure 'nuf, after 6 months of looking, mine did. Good Luck!!

What do mean by above? Price-wise, you mean? The unit is a rental/eventual sale townhouse owned by my mother-in-law. She lives in Bethesda, so a contractor there might be good. I am trying to help her with renovations after a long-term tenant moved out. I realize the unit is in a pricy area and would like a contractor who understands what the market needs. My MIL is thinking Ikea because 1) she is Scandinavian and 2) she is frugal. I told her the kitchens are well-reviewed here, so it might work. But we are open to suggestions. Is this contractor really high-end? Thanks.

Alexa - can't help you find an installer but I am searching for large tiles to use for a backsplash. I have such a small area, actually two areas similarly sized - 18" x 46". I am searching for thin large tiles, can you share with me what you found for large scale tiles for backsplash?