TRNST's Profile

Everything else aside, can someone source that rug???

@username26 -- Good to know! My kitchen is fairly tiny as well, not a whole lot of counter space. $350 is not bad at all, compared to the price tags on some other counter materials. Thank you for the input!

@angliaamy -- So glad to hear that. I was a little tentative at first, as I've never had butcher block in any of my kitchens and it's quite a drastic departure from today's "standard" materials. Wow, Lumber Liquidators...I never would have thought to look there for counters. I always think of them as strictly a flooring outlet. Thank you so much for the tip, I'll make sure to get a quote from them as well!

I'm just beginning to research sources for a kitchen facelift. I bought my first condo a few months ago, and it boasts your typical 80s condo kitchen...orangey-brown cabinets, white ceramic tile counters and white tile floors, with random appliances that don't match. Because of my budget (and the fact that I really only see myself living in it for 5 years tops), I'm trying to just give it a facelift while keeping the budget as low as possible.

So far, after a few weeks of googling, it seems as though options for affordable counters are as follows:

1. Laminate - Although laminate has come a long way from what it used to be, it seems as though the "faux stone" finishes are still on the pricey side. Plus, and this is my opinion only, but I'd feel a little cheesy buying fake marble or fake granite.

2. Granite Tiles - I've heard that this option can be amongst the most affordable, but then you find yourself dealing with grout again. Sure, it's technically granite...but I feel as though getting granite tile is, in a way, "faking the funk." If I'm installing something brand new, I'd rather do away with grout alltogether. Light grout will stain over time and won't ever look clean again. Dark grount will always reveal the tiniest food particles (bread crumbs, salt grains, etc.) and probably drive you crazy.

3. Butcher Block - This will probably be what I end up going with. It's a groutless, solid surface and it's not pretending to be something it's not. It has a classic look to it and wears fairly well, as long as you take care of it.

I'm seriously considering the butcher block from IKEA. Does anyone have experience with this? I'm interested to see how it stands the test of time. It's amazingly affordable, at $59 for a 97" x 25" block.

As far as cabinets, the ones I have are solid wood, so I'll be refinishing them in a bright white, inside and out. I'll also probably add hardware from IKEA to give them a more modern look. Any input on any of the above or tips/pointers would be much appreciated. I won't be doing this until I get my tax return in 2013, so I have about 8-10 months to make all my selections.

Other than the slight cheese factor of random canvas panels on easels (these always make me think 'Costco Photo Station') and the "our values" chalkboard rundown, it's beautiful...love the neutral pallettes and the dark gray walls. Great architectural accents and trimwork, as well.

Awesome job selecting the counter slabs...they look great.

Six days over three months?? Now that's a commitment.

The result is amazing, kudos!

i've been curious about the wii fit for some time now...

does it actually compare to a gym workout? meaning, can you actually break a sweat or get in a decent cardio workout on this thing?

if so, i'm in!

great dining setup paula!

can you by any chance source that spiffy bowl??

they shall redeem themselves by becoming the world's #1 customer service hotline superpower...!

very nice...great addition if you have a pedestal sink or a small vanity with no counter space...