I used Cabinet Coat. You can special order it from any Ace hardware store. I researched the web extensively and heard nothing but praises for this paint. I originally wanted to use oil paint for its durability, but wanted water-based for ease of application. I chose Cabinet Coat because it is supposed to give a very durable finish, but doesn't yellow as oil does. So far I am extremely pleased with its nice finish and durability and plan to use it not only for my cabinets, but for all the woodwork in my house as I go along.

These are ideas from GW I've acted on: - Silgranit super single sink w/grid - touch faucet w pull-down sprayer (Delta) - bar pulls on drawers in prep/cooking area - under-cabinet lighting in prep area - Wellness mats in prep/cooking/cleanup area All of these have made such an improvement that it's hard to say which is the best idea -- but no question that the sink-faucet combo is the most transformative. I'd read elsewhere that the sink is the most-used appliance in the kitchen, and confirmed it by observing our work motions. But seeing what was available, and hearing in detail GWers' experiences with their choices gave me the confidence to spend the money for what would really make a huge difference. GWKF ideas that will be put into effect if/when we re-do the counter and cabinets along the cooking wall: - drawers rather than doors & fixed shelves in lower cabinets - trash pull-out in prep area - quieter and more powerful vent hood/fan - built-in paper towel niche - paneled dishwasher - dish storage in drawers next to dishwasher - pullout or roll-out shelves in cabinet above wall oven (may retrofit this soon no matter what; we're wasting a ton of vertical space) - warming drawer below wall oven (the most optional of these ideas; will be on Craigslist etc. lookout) GWKF inspirations that might be incorporated if we turn our current worktable and the cabinets above it into more of an island/peninsula + hutch: - open cabinet built for microwave (w/rollout landing below if needed) - freezer drawer (for freezing pastry, items on trays to be bagged for storage in the bigger freezer, etc.) There's also the huge amount I've learned about design and construction from the many professionals and skilled amateurs here. Thank you.

Thanks luvspring! I first saw the tile at a local tile store called Devon Tile Design (they have amazing stuff) -- but found for less at a larger store (Avalon Tile in Wilmington DE) and able to have the price matched. I also tracked it down by looking on the Walker Zanger website to see who their retailers are. shanghaimom, they also call the marron cohiba "antique brown" i think. I do love the Amerock pulls - - and I think they are better quality than the twice as expensive RH bistro ones I was looking at! breezy, I just checked the invoice and drawings, and all it says is "sigma fan" -- I know it's venting to the outdoors, and that the motor and everything else is in the hood (I'm vaguely recalling that it was called internal)...wish I could be more definitive on that! As for noiselevel, this is hard to describe, and I've got no expertise in decibels. On low, it's like a quiet background hum, definitely quieter than my microwave vent was before the reno --but if I'm cooking under it, I can't hear my kids' normal talking voices in the kitchen (of course that can be a good thing!). On high it is pretty loud, and I wouldn't want to run it for longer than necessary (unless those same kids are bickering!) As for whether the 600 cfms will be enough for you, think about you'd like to be cooking -- if you'll grill steaks inside or do alot of stirfries, it might not be enough. Good luck!!!

Hello. I know I'm coming to your kitchen party late, but your kitchen is very close to what I am thinking of installing. Maybe you can answer a few questions? I have almost settled on the Cambria Buckingham, but I am worried it will make the kitchen too dark. I am having cabinets made, the stain will be very similar to the cabinets you installed. My floor is a white/off white porcelain tile (existing). I don't have can lights, only pendants over the islad, sitchen sink and light from west facing windows. I would love to know how you feel about your backsplash a many years later? I am thinking of using a plain subway tile, but worried it is too plain for the gorgeous Cambria. Thanks for any help you can throw my way!