I wouldn't exactly call glass cheap. Its quite a bit more expensive than ceramic. And while I did vote for granite on the back splash (mostly due to the ease of keeping it clean especially behind the range) Ceramic and glass offers much more design choice than granite does. But you have to contend with those pesky grout lines that seem to soak up everything that gets away from you on the stove ie. Tomato Sauce, or deglazing a pan with red wine.

thats pimp

I think the colors mean more than the actual material of the countertop/backsplash ... as long as the colors suit each other you can mix materials. Personally, I'm a fan of the brushed aluminum tiles for a backsplash (the actual tiles not the peel-and-stick ones or the plastic panels) ... and I'm not someone who likes the industrial look. I'm thinking the brushed silver works with an existing (even not so great colored) countertop and is neutral enough to leave the paint color options open.

The fellows are making progress..wall and microwave ovens are up and running and the countertops are on.

http://www.mintesbabes.com/gfy/2011-11-14_16_50_57.jpg

^ looks good.

Oak cabinets are so nineties.

That's why they are being changed..2ish weeks more for those

So then why are you doing it ass backwards?
You said "making progress..wall and microwave ovens are up and running and the countertops are on."

Just don't do anything too trendy or you'll want to update it in five years. What looks amazing today will soon be "so 2011." Go timeless with trendy accents. You can't go wrong there.

sounds like he is just doing cabinet refacing. I.e new doors.

Check the Island, that is the direction this build is going. I like the stainless myself, tight fabrication on the counter, seamless ;)
I love acrylic for this, Corian still has a place around food prep, but stainless would be my second...

That's what we are doing. Going with slab doors this time.

That thought crossed my mind but the question is why?

Why not yank it all out and start over. Most of the time the insides are disgusting but there are exceptions I guess.

I think the custom island & lights look good.

The boxes are less than 7 years old and in excellent shape. There was no reason to change them.

Granite. :2 cents:

Nice work, but why is the island so small?

It's a prep island.. 28"x60"

i clicked the wrong one cuz i'm tired. i meant to click the second one. i like the new glass small tiles in multi colors all the design shows are using now

No offence however I prefer your taste in cars :thumbsup

wow, that looks a lot like my parents.

It's not finished. We went highend on everything. All Viking Professional appliances with the exception of a Bosch dishwasher. Kohler faucets, Karran sink and the backsplash which is Italian tile was finished today. The Viking range hood was installed today as well. I'll take some pictures in a few weeks when it's complete.
I don't like foofoo kitchens. This is really functional and very clean lines.