I also dislike apron sinks and, while I love the look of vintage, it wasn't going to work for my everyday needs. I installed the Bakersfield overmount in a very small condo kitchen and it was great. I could wash my 13 lb Schnauzer in it, but it still didn't take up too much space. Yes, washing dogs in my kitchen sink might be crude to some but haven't you ever found something in tupperware in the back of your fridge..... I digress. This time around I have more room and was looking at the Cape Dory. I found Ceco sinks locally and ended up with one of these instead. It's the same dimensions as the Cape Dory without predrilled holes (for undermount). Also the drain is in the center, but towards the back. Finally Ceco (UM 74, I think) started making sinks in the 1920's so I figure at least the company is in the right ballpark. Oh, and my 6 1/2 lb Yorkie could have a pool party in there! Check them out...they have a bunch of different sizes and styles. Here is a link that might be useful: Ceco Sinks

Go with the stainless grid. We have both kinds of grids (2 sinks); I would love to have a plain stainless steel grid instead of the coated one, but it's not available. The grid that is coated already has a spot where rust is showing, so it's obviously not stainless steel underneath. A hot pan will definitely melt the coating.

We are so disappointed with our purchase of the Brilliance finish for our newly remodeled primary bath. We have renovated several condos over the last couple of decades and always purchased Delta fixtures. We selected the Brilliance finish for this reason on the Delta site "Delta Brilliance finishes help keep your faucet or shower looking like new for life. Brilliance finishes are durable, long-lasting and guaranteed not to corrode, tarnish or discolor. Tested against more than 100 household cleaners, these scratch-resistant finishes can even withstand repeated scouring with steel wool." Due to the expense I think we are stuck with this for a year or so. But we will never purchase a Delta product again. As you see they not only look dirty but are ugly. Elaine Egan -

I have no experience with this, but I wouldn't paint my counters. They just get too much use, constant wiping, etc and I don't think a paint would hold up well for long. When I read your post, I pictured some horrendous color counters, but seeing them, they appear to be white/ivory, which is a nice neutral. To get them professionally painted to me, doesn't seem cost effective, you can get in stock preformed laminates that are not expensive which would be new and durable and probably not cost much more than having them painted.