nycefarm, The mold specialist did come in with an infrared camera that could differentiate between water and heat, in this case heated water vapor. We did not see water but we saw hot spots down the wall by the peninsula and around every receptacle. Early in our renovation, the building inspector came in and required an electrical receptacle at the other end of the peninsula so it was added. A hole was made in wall side of the cabinet to add a conduit to get the electric to the end of the peninsula. That may have been the conduit that brought in the humidity from the guard's room on the other side of the wall. The bulk of the mold was in the top where that conduit is located. Since we had not moved into the new kitchen yet, the drawers were not opened for some time - a perfect environment - warm, moist, dark, newer wood. So at this point, we are assuming this was the cause. What we need to do now is figure out how to eliminate the problem. The condo is planning on putting in an air conditioner in the guard's room and has already installed a dehumidifier. They will also treat the wall on their side, including a vapor barrier. My contractor plans on putting foam and sealing as best as possible in the receptacles on my side. The cabinet maker has made sure that it is all lacquered inside and remade the worst of the drawers. The remainder of the cabinet has been remediated by the specialist. Is there anything else we need to do?

My gut feeling is that this design could be a problem. With a 15" overhang and only a 12" cabinet supporting it, the cabinet is really going to want to fall over which could put a twisting or torquing stress on the skinny cabinets and on the granite at the end near the dishwasher. Most people merely need a few corbels or metal braces under the granite, however you may need to engineer something more than that. Perhaps a welded steel skeleton concealed inside the skinny cabinet, or maybe just sturdy legs under the edge of the granite. I hope that some granite expert comes along and say that I'm wrong, but my feeling is that this plan is not going to be simple and straightforward, but it will need careful thought and design.

What you choose for your edging is strictly personal preference. What is the style of the rest of your kitchen? If you have a traditional kitchen tending towards embellishments, you might prefer an ogee or cove dupont edge. If you have a sleek, modern look going or simple Shaker, you might prefer a straight (eased) edge. If you're worried about little heads hitting the edge, you might choose a 1/4 round or half bullnose edge. Personally, I'd avoid a full bullnose just because I think drips will keep on going right around the curve underneath and be overly messy - could be wrong on that one. As far as space goes, the style of the edge really isn't going to be an issue. When you say Or the end of the peninsula that is not along the wall, keep it squared off? , do you mean the style of the edging or the shape of the island itself? If you mean the shape of the island, I prefer to round off the corners that protrude into space. Our island in that spot is opposite the dishwasher and is a passage way in and out of the kitchen. Rounded off corners provide just a little more room and make it less likely someone will bang a hip on the peninsula on the way in or out. If you mean edging style, I would stick with one thing for the entire perimeter. Here is a link that might be useful: a well-done guide to edges

So - I posted this over in Kitchens - and the advice over there is to do nothing over the island and 3 pendants on the peninsula. I thought about this for a moment - and guess what? We almost never turned on that island light. The recessed above were always enough. It was more like that light was for decoration than anything. Now I'm leaning toward nothing over the island. Maybe add a couple more cans - but that's it. Also - I think it may look better - since my hood wall will be a huge statement - with cabinets removed, chimney hood and tile up to ceiling. Having a clear view when you enter the kitchen might be better.