busy day in the kitchen

last year

The countertop guys were here today. Not only were they replacing the kitchen counters, but also the vanities in two bathrooms. We were off to a good start:

But then it came to a grinding halt when the new sink we bought was fully unboxed only to discover it was broken in one corner (where it was hidden by the styrofoam insert.) It was a serious break, several inches gone.) I called the local store and thank goodness they were able to find another exact model. I picked it up and all was good. Maybe set us back an hour.

How pretty is this? Unfortunately, the wooden backsplash won't work out afterall, so I am off to the tile store tomorrow to find a backsplash. Thinking of a slightly off white subwaay tile. We've got paint samples on the cabinets (not seen) and am leaning towards Benjamin Moore White Cloud (not to be confused with the uber popular Cloud White.) The cabinet painters arrive next month which gives me plenty of time to vacillate on the colors. The rug I ordered came in, but it is going back. I need a 6x6 square size to really warm up the area by the hutch. I am starting to think there might be room to put some sort of small table(s) by the window seat. I'm leaning towards something neutral, like a brownish colored rush (or wicker type) table. Maybe two of these?

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Comments (37)

deegw
last year
So nice! You must be thrilled. Don't you just want to lay your cheek on it and pat it? :)
mtnrdredux_gw
last year
Love the wicker stool, love lovedy love your countertops!
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mtnrdredux_gw
last year
Why not just paint your backsplash? It might surprise you
teeda
last year
The countertops are gorgeous. You must be so excited!
Jilly
last year
last modified: last year
Jojo, wow, the counters are beautiful! How exciting!

Great wicker table. I got this one from Big A and love it.

My vintage pipe holder is on it:
jojoco
Original Author
last year
Mtn, the old countertop was thicker than the new quartzite one. The difference is about 1/2 inch so there is a gap between the wood backsplash and the new counterr. I could put a piece of moulding there to cover it and paint it, but I think it would start looking hodge podge.
jojoco
Original Author
last year
oooh, Jillyx, I love that one. I've seen it and think it looks like the cork from a champagne bottle.
Honu3421
last year
Your counter tops are beautiful! I love them with your green walls. (I think you’re painting, tho, right right?) Can’t you paint a piece of molding to hide the seam at your backsplash rather than adding tile?
jojoco
Original Author
last year
Honu, I definitely can try adding molding first, but I think it is going to look like a mix and match job. But it is certainly the easiest and most economical way to go. It's definitely worth a try.
eld6161
last year
❤️
arcy_gw
last year
I really have been liking the way they bring the counter up the wall for the back splash. I think I would be heading out to get more of that.
jojoco
Original Author
last year
Arcy, unfortunately Taj Mahal cannot be honed thinner so using it as a backsplash would mean bringing it all the way to the cabinets to avoid that thick edge. That look is too slick for me.
nini804
last year
last modified: last year
It looks wonderful! You must be so excited! If you go the subway route (ha, see what I accidentally did there) I would make sure I chose the largest I could find and use grout that matched the tile. That way, your luscious counters remain the star of the show! Sometimes when people use contrasting grout on subway it can become bossy. 🤣
Sueb20
last year
I think you need a taller table for the window seat…
salonva
last year
Wow you moved quickly! The countertop looks great in there. I agree to give it a try about painting and adding molding. I can't visualize what you mean about a sitting area of the little table, but that little table ( and jilly's too) is just beautiful.

Its good too that you have access to the room and have already decided what size rug will work.

Such great progress!
1929Spanish-GW
last year
Countera are beautiful. Wait for the cabinets to be painted before finalizing the backsplash tile.
localeater
last year
I love the new counters, so gorgeous. And, they faucet looks amazing with them. You were so fortunate that the store had another sink in stock!
eld6161
last year
last modified: last year
Chispa shared this Anne Saks tile four years ago. i think it would be gorgeous in your kitchen.

I hope Chispa sees this as I don’t remember what she wound up choosing.

ETA I like that your Taj is back to the creamy beige. It was running very gray for a long while.
mtnrdredux_gw
last year
Random interjection --- i think this may be too big for what you are looking for but thought id post
Kswl
last year
last modified: last year
I didn’t realize your backsplash was already wood, Jojoco. Thats a shame about the gap. Could you try a simple tile listello piece in the same color as the paint or the counter instead of wood molding? Or perhaps it wouldn’t be wide enough to bridge the gap.
amykath
last year
Wow! Great progress! I love the countertops and everything is going to look amazing. I love following your progress.

Remind me... what are you doing with the space that was the eating area?
Tina Marie
last year
It's coming along sooo good!
mtnrdredux_gw
last year
last modified: last year
AKT, IIrC it is only about 6 or 7' wide after the counter overhang. I think the latest idea was to put a cushion in the windowseat and have a small occasional table there.
amykath
last year
Thanks Mtn! I was just curious. That sounds lovely!
czarinalex
last year
Love the Taj counters! I'll second waiting for the cabinets to be painted before picking out backspash tile.
roarah
last year
last modified: last year
It is going to be stunning! I like thick slab backsplashes with interesting curves and edges but it is costly.
Arapaho-Rd
last year
I'm with Honu3421, another tile pattern for the backsplash might be a lot of pattern with the tile floor.
mtnrdredux_gw
last year
I would not use a pattern. It is a fairly small space and I think should be kept very simple.
jojoco
Original Author
last year
As you all noticed, our floor is pretty bossy. I am hoping that a small piece of quarter round molding might finish the area without it looking like an ad hoc repair. I would love to keep the bead board paneling that I have. It echoes the back of the cabinet.
I ordered the small tables. They are from Marshall’s, so if they look terrible, I’ll just bring them back. Easy peasy.
mtnrdredux_gw
last year
could they make a piece of molding in the countertop material?
Arapaho-Rd
last year
last modified: last year
The beadboard adds to the charm. Great idea, Mtn.
jojoco
Original Author
last year
That is a great idea, MTN, but my understanding is that Taj Mahal (or maybe quartzite in general) cannot be honed to a thinner size, say like the granite backsplash on a vanity. I'll ask though. You never know.
DawnInCal
last year
Oooooo, love the new countertops!
cran
last year
Your counters look terrific. The bead board is perfect i think the molding would make it seem more finished i bet if its all painted the same color it will just disappear. . My soapstone goes right up to the beadboard and i feel it should have molding for a more finished look. Drives me nuts
Eileen
last year
last modified: last year
I think tile will look better with Taj Mahal and I'd stick with a traditional shape and color because of the other elements in the room.
rubyclaire
last year
Oh everything is coming together so beautifully! Love your countertops - TM is such a beautiful stone.
mtnrdredux_gw
last year
last modified: last year
I was thinking of a simple piece like this; essentially a strip of your counter turned on its side?

Then either drywall, like they show, or keep the beadboard and paint it the same color as the cabs