No opinions on your kitchen, just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and your son and was so glad you posted that he came through with flying colors! I know how stressful a day that was. If you don't mind my asking, how long did his procedure take? Since my son's wasn't normal, I don't have a clue how long a normal one would take, and am just curious. Again, so thankful that is done and he is back to normal life!

We went back around 8:30, for them to put him under. They let us go with him, and wait till he was out. They said they'd call in an hour with an update, and they did. Said they'd already found the pathway, and were starting the ablation. And they'd call us in another hour. 1.5 hours went by, and they called said it went great and they'd then found ANOTHER pathway and had just zapped that one. Guess that's not real common, to find more then one. He was in recovery shortly after. Soo, I'd say just over 3 hours maybe??
Hardest part, as others had mentioned..was laying flat for so long. His heels were hurting right away. Probably from how they were positioned during the procedure. He was just really irratible and grumpy :( Just having a hard time coming around. Finally, after a few hours of him pushing my lion stuffed animale I got him back at me :) I forced him to eat some ice cream. Then he wanted another. Then some jello, then some spaghetti, lol. Around 6, we were discharged and back to the hotel. He's done great every since.
His legs were just a bit sore, and he's had a couple episodes of his heart trying to do whatever it used to. Just strong flutters, but it can't go any further.
All in all, I think it went great!!

Okay, I've been studying your cabinets and I've read all of the other posts. I'm no interior designer, and your kitchen is FINE the way it is. But I know you are anxious to take it up a notch and I completely understand. So this is what I would do. DIY laminate for countertops in a soapstone look. See if you can get HI store to cut any of it for you to make it easier on hubby. Buy the subway tile and install (love that look). Buy small cabinets at HI store for top of cabinets. If you can't find what you want, hire a cabinet maker to come out and give you estimate. Take off crown molding on top of cabinet and reuse for top of new cabinets that will go on top. Sand/rough up a bit all cabinets. Purchase one step stain in darker color and stain everything to match. I think this really in right now and will take you through a resale when the time comes. Paint may be more of a trendy look and could look dated later. It is too much work to risk being dated later. Change out knobs to cool handles (check out habitat for humanity resale store first - I found brand new ones in there once still in packages). Install microwave over stove and you're done! Wish I could photoshop. Good luck. Glad you're son is doing well!

I like the idea of adding cabs above your current ones. Here are a few pics I found that show glass top double uppers. The first is actually from one of the Kitchen Forum's own, lsandler (whose kitchen is gorgeous!):

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0313354921688.html

img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2004/06/09/rxr1305fig_d_lg.jpg

http://delmarhomesltd.com/images/photo-gallery/IMGP2366.jpg

http://delmarhomesltd.com/images/photo-gallery/IMGP2370.jpg

Hopefully those links work and will give you a better idea of how that might work for you :-)

For my future reference.....since I absolutely LOVE your red walls (that I hope you don't get rid of with the popping white crown).....what color red is that?....I might use that in my new kitchen if we ever get to build again.....I just love your look...just add those black counter tops.....maybe get some ORB knobs and an ORB faucet.....and YES, you can most definitely use the white subway tile with your cabinets....it would look sharp!!

I looked at the original of your inspiration kitchen in the link you provided. I can see why you used it as your inspiration, since her original cabinets, countertop, stove, sink and floor are so much like yours.
I copied that original picture, then mocked up the walls in red (as you have yours now), the countertops in black, the sink in stainless, and the floor in the dark wood. I left the cabinets unchanged.
The biggest pow came from changing the floor, which was a big surprise to me.
The second biggest pow came from "painting" the walls red!
Dark countertops, stainless drop-in sink, and subway tile were ok updates, but not nearly as dramatic as changing the floor.

I'm also concerned about the upper cabinets being too high to be practical, and a potential resale problem, if you raise them and put a shelf underneath. I do like the idea of running cabinets to the ceiling by outting more cabinet space on top; the ideal would be to put wood boxes/framees on top to the ceiling and just change to taller cabinet doors so it looks like one tall cabinet, but I suspect that would blow the budget.

The cabinet paint and countertops will make a huge difference and transform the room. I'd suggest painting the cabinets and changing the countertops, and changing the handles/knobs. I like the laminates you've chosen and think they look better than a faux-soapstone laminate (which to me would just look like a grayish black laminate and not very soapstone like). And then, once you've changed the cabinet color, countertops, and knobs, I'd live with it for a week or so to see whether that is close enough to the inspiration kitchen to make you happy. If it's not, only then would I consider raising the upper cabinets to add the shelf (and touch up any paint that gets mussed in the process). Basically, I wouldn't raise them unless that was the only way for you to be happy with the kitchen.

I didn't do a good job of tiling the backsplash, and I ran out of virtual subway tile behind the mixer, and I kept you existing cabinet knobs, but I did paint the cabinets and change the countertop.

Unless you're going to change out your appliances and sink, I don't think that painting the cabinets looks all that good.

Great inspiration photos jbrig. The third and fourth photos are exactly what I was thinking of, with the addition of the glass doors. That would be even better than trying to find a match to the existing oak doors, though probably more expensive. I bought my cabinets without the glass from the manufacturer and found a local stained glass shop with lots of sheets of obscuring glass for much less than the cabinet companies want. I took careful measurements and he cut it for me free of charge.

joanie, I ran to BM today and talked to them about stains. I'll admit, seems a bit easier. But, doesn't make my heart skip a beat like the idea of painted cabs.
The little cabs on top, I can't see being very budget friendly. But, we'll look into it for sure.

jbrig, yes GREAT inspiration pics. THANKS! The one I like the best, has glass and lights. Again, $$$$..no? But, it's good to see them not all the way up to the ceiling, cause that's not an option.

robin, baby steps is definitly what I think we need to do. Tackle one thing...like counters. Do them, then see what I feel I NEED to do after that. Even though I still think spending more on counters will limit our budget for other things. We couldn't do the more expensive counters, and then build/buy stuff to extend cabs or add shelving.

suero, ty so much!! I really like the way the green looks, even with the appliances. No way can we replace those. We just bought a new fridge last yr, and I'm honestly not a big fan of SS these days. Maybe it's the four boys and three dogs that make me think..smudges!! :) And for just a couple yrs (we hope) that's money that's just can't be spent.
If we went with the green lower cabs, the red walls would HAVE to go. Least in my head they do.
I'd probably bring in the tan from the open living room.
Also, that green is a great green! I need something that tone to pull in the couches in the other room.

And I figured we'd use bead board along the back of the counter, and at the ends of that and the upper cabs. IF we painted.

suero~~Could you do an inspiration photo leaving the cabinets as they are....black countertop, white subway, and ORB (or black) pulls and faucet....and leave the walls red......I am so curious...'cause I think it would give the look that would give a change and also be good for resale....not everyone wants painted cabinets....'cause once they are painted, it is A LOT of work to take it off.
THANKS

Sorry, can't do the ORB; the knobs and faucet are too small for me to manipulate.

OK, I'll take a stab at this, but first things first:) I'm happy your son is doing well. And raising four boys--you deserve a pat on the back!
My inclination would be to do as equest suggested and jbrig linked--the small cabs with lights. But since budget is a concern....would you consider leaving the cabs alone and just adding some dramatic, tall crown moulding? I'm thinking something 7 or 8 inches high (or more--I'm not good with proportion)to eliminate some of that bare space at the top of your cabs.
I think the look you are going for with your inspiration pic just won't be practical with your current busy lifestyle. If you were staying in this house forever, I'd be more inclined to go with it though.
Now that I've seen your eating area--the red looks wonderful, btw, I think you can achieve an updated look with the addition of some big, beefy crown, replacing the laminate, and adding subways. Then you can keep your beloved beautiful red!
Another thought--there is a poster on the kitchen forums (is in Jan in Wisconsin? Does anyone remember?) who has white cabs and swilliams flower pot red in her kitchen. Take a look and see...I think the red with creamy white cabs would look awesome and updated.
And, for what it's worth, 15 years ago we bought sheets of laminate and covered an aqua speckled laminate counter--even did rounded corners on the edging! DH took a book out of the library and followed the directions. The man at the store also gave him some good tips. He needed a good router, I remember.
I can't wait to see what you decide.

Thanks Suero! Personally, I like it. Leaving cabs, darker counters, and subway. Least i like it enough that it could buy us some time :)
Dh, the man who has to do all the work, lol. Says HE now hates the oak. I swear it didn't bother him until I starting griping, lol. Actually, it was our intention from the day we signed the contract to paint the cabinets. Almost 3 yrs ago!!
And ya know, that's what kills me about needing to "update" my kitchen. It's only 4 yrs old!! ugh!

Elle, I LOVE Jan's kitchen. I've drooled over it for hours. Course, it's new and three times the size. Granite, and SS :) I really just can't see doing the white lower cabs with the white appliances.

K, here's a thought. Everyone feel free to shoot me down, lol

What about a darker stain on the lower cabs? And painted uppers? I can keep the red, AND I get painted cabs (half of them) Stain should be more durable for the kiddos and dogs. If I keep away from the green, I won't have to worry about changing out the wall color or stressing over matching greens to my living room colors. Although I do love green painted cabinets, sigh.

Stupid???

Found this.
it won't let me save pic. so here's link.
it's the stained bottoms, white uppers. with pink..yes, i said pink..lol.

Here is a link that might be useful: pink kitche

Love the idea of the darker stain on the bottom cabinets and white painted uppers! Just wanted to say that if you go this route, I would do a really dark stain on the lowers, like espresso, with really dark counters. Sounds like the perfect compromise and is more practical. I would explore adding crown molding to the top too, like the earlier poster said. Or doing some research on ideas of new and trendy items to put on top of cabinets. Perhaps some kitchen magazines could give some great ideas. (I'm sure you've poured over those though!) Good luck.

Yea, I'd love a much darker.

How about something like she did? To beef up the mouldings like suggested.

Dh looked over it, and loved the idea. Almost as much as raising the cabinets :) And her dh gave pretty good instructions on how to.

Here is a link that might be useful: the lettered cottage

I am glad you liked what suero did with the black counter-top and white subtile (only adding ORB pulls)...that is something you can do on a very limited budget and time...(and keeping those red walls that you and I love). I'd buy that house in a minute with those colors....but don't know how much longer you will live there....so how much you put into it is up to you. God bless you little one....glad things are going well. GOOD LUCK~~

LOVE THAT CABINET! Oohh, this is getting exciting. It's all coming together.

I really like the idea of heavier crown molding around your cabinets. If you go that route, consider raising the cabinet above the stove and installing a microwave with a vent in place of your current vent.

Can we raise just the one like that??? Guess they're not all one big unit? I'm clueless, can you tell, lol.
We do have a micro/vent deal in the garage. Bought it last yr when our microwave died, and decided not to put it up. It just seemed really low when we held it in place.

So, we've been heating things like the old days, on the stove :) We rarely miss it. But, would be nice to have one again. We keep meaning to buy a little one, but I hate having all my counter space eaten up by stuff.

Look inside the cabinets to see if they're fastened to each other or just fastened by a hanging strip at the top.

Your link is exactly what I was thinking....Love the beefy crown moulding--perfect project for you and your diy guy :) Also love the dark cabinet color.

Ok, yea. Dh said they're all seperate pieces. I think I knew that, lol. But, again..I'm kind of ditz on this stuff.

I like what the one girl did with the black cabs, where she removed that cabinets. And put the micro on a shelf. That may be a fun option, too.

Elle, yea my dh and mom are now telling me we HAVE to do all black cabinets, ack!! With the white appliances, though???
And that totally shoots down those two laminates. Point of this post, LOL. Wouldn't I need lighter? Oy, people here won't respond to me posting yet AGAIN about this kitchen :)

She has white appliances with the black cabinets. So I think you're ok in that regard.

I'm not loving the idea of black countertops with black cabinets. What I love about the pink kitchen is the contrast of the light uppers and dark lowers with a patterned countertop tying them together. I also think the subway tile would look great with the dark lowers/light uppers. Just wish you could afford granite or a solid surface countertop. I haven't looked at laminates but I think they have some nice patterns now.

Ok, so we're all in agreement, raising cabinets BAD...beefing up crown, GOOD?? :) :)

Yea, I don't want dark counters if I'm doing all dark cabinets.
I still like the idea of white uppers, darker painted (or now I'm loving STAINED)lowers. For what I'm wanting, I do see why SS would be better. As it doesn't stick out like the white appliances. But, again..can't go there with the budget.
OR granite. Actually, we could probably swing more $$, but I just can't justify that in a house I don't plan on being in for more then a few yrs at most.

Dh has brought up granite tile again. There's a place here we can get a pretty good deal. I'm just not a fan. I just think laminate is easier to take care of, and where it DOES scream budget. I think some granite tile countertops can really look cheap.

Let me come back and add, the granite tile countertops I've seen in person, have looked cheap. HUGE grout lines, set on a diagnol to "save money". I know there's a way to make them look better. Closer together, etc. I actually don't hate a lighter granite tile counter. It's the dark ones, with the grout that bug me.

momto4boys~~~ I seem to have more interest in your kitchen than I do my own.....guess it is those beautiful red walls~~~~ We put granite tiles in our kitchen....and we love them.....we hardly have any grout lines...1/16" at the most....but butted them mostly.....took the edge of the tile float and worked the EPOXY grout (it doesn't stain) into what cracks I did have....actually it does not show much...and for the savings, I don't mind....did the entire thing (75 SF) for about $300.00. You can get uba tuba tile squares (which look black to me, but in the light a hint of dk. green)...use black grout and I think you'd be happy. (This is what my neighbor used and she loves it and to me it looks black). Didn't you like the pics that had the black countertop, leaving the oak cabinets and red walls?
This would surely be a quick and inexpensive fix......or also there is a laminate paint that you could paint them black....that is if your old ones are in good shape and not torn, etc.
If you want to install that microwave and raise those cabinets, I think it will give it a variation....any others you could raise a bit?....i.e. over the frig, etc.
GOOD LUCK GAL because you have been thrown a lot of ideas. If you decide you don't like the oak as it is, you can always paint...but that would be the last resort for me....a good waxing and new dark pulls and it would look great and not be too expensive....and I thought that is what you were wanting.....why spend money you really don't want to...especially in these days?

I like the contrast in the pink kitchen with dark lowers, neutral counter and light uppers. (That pink is unexpected, isn't it?)
I know what you are saying about the white appliances and the dark cabs, but, like caroleoh said, it looks pretty good in the link you provided.

Why don't you and hubby put the crown moulding up since that seems to be the direction you are leaning (not paint immediately), get some painters tape and tape up a section of white subways (put the tape on the back, so you don't see the blue in the front to distract you), buy a few oil rubbed bronze handles and pulls, and put your laminate sample on the counter.

THEN take a step back and see what you think! You liked the mockup with leaving the cabs as they are with the red paint and the subways, so give it a whirl and see what you think. Once the moulding is up, you may surprised that you like it so much you won't want to paint/stain the cabs. Then of course the problem will be getting the new moulding to match the existing oak. :)

If you are going to stain them darker, there is a poster named celticmoon who gave detailed instructions on how to do it. Her cabinets came out fabulous. Her instructions get a link from time to time--you may have seen it.

I love the newest idea of two tone cabinet finishes and built up molding. I have had this inspiration photo a while (from when we updated our previous house, a 1914 bungalow). I don't remember where I found it or whose kitchen it is. I can't tell if the lowers are stained or painted black, but a dark java or espresso gel stain might give you a really dark finish with more ease and durability than paint.

{{!gwi}}

There are some really pretty laminate options inspired by granite or marble that you might consider to work with the red walls if you want all black cabinets. Not that you'll "fool" anyone, but it can still be attractive, in my opinion. We debated going with granite, but I just didn't want the expense and fuss, so we selected a really pretty Formica pattern with neutral and gold shades and I've been thrilled with it. It all depends on your region, but around here, almost all the new upscale houses still use laminate counters (and electric ranges and drop in stainless steel double bowl sinks ;-) so you don't necessarily have to be on the cutting edge for resale potential, just attractive and functional.

{{!gwi}}

Have you looked at our kitchens thread in our Gallery for ideas and inspiration?

phoggie, oh I'd sooo love to just change counters, darken stain a bit and get new knobs. It's really why I posted in the first place. To get opinions on the two options. Both come out the same price, but one with a LOT more work. I do like that look, too. Is it enough, though? Dh says no. He's really wanting to paint the cabinets.

elle, I think we are going to try one step at a time. Do the moulding, and prime. If we decide we just love the look of the white uppers (if we can tell with just primer on them), perhaps go with white. Then go with stain or black paint on lowers. As much as I LOVE green painted cabinets, I think I need to work with my red. Or simply do something that more people will like for resale.
Oh, and I have celticmom's pics already saved :)

equest, that kitchen belongs to budge or something (sorry, can't think of the right name) I've had that pic saved on my desktop for over a yr. Was really one of my first inspiration pics for going with the two toned. Until I saw and fell in love with lower greens, upper whites.
Now, you've got me remembering just how much I love this look!!
so, that's your kitchen with the dark knobs? That's beautiful! I showed dh, pointing out that new laminate and and knobs may look just fine. And how great yours looked. He quickly pointed out your cabs are MUCH nicer, lol. He's right!

oceanna, ah I've spent many a late night drooling in that gallery. Thanks so much for putting it together, too :)
I went through it again last night. I realize every single kitchen I'm drawn to has painted cabinets. That's really where my heart is in all of this. Yea, we don't plan on being here a long time. But, honestly..we said that when we bought the house almost 3 yrs ago. That in 2 yrs, we'd get ready to sell. Well, between the market and my decision not to go back to work as planned. It could be 2, 3, 5 yrs. Who knows? But, I want to enjoy it while I'm here :)

When we bought our house, we were on the 5-year plan, but between one thing and another we've been in our house 18 years now. For a long time I was hesitant to put too much time and money into the house since it wasn't going to be our forever house. By the time we decided to sell, it seemed the opportunity had passed us by what with over inflated house prices and property taxes so in the end we remodeled it. So, while it's always prudent to keep resale in mind whatever you decide to do, so is making improvements that you like.

My vote would also be not to raise the uppers. I'd prefer to see extra cabinets on top with glass fronts, but if that is not in your budget, then beefier moldings would be a good option as well.

With the countertops, I'd go for any type of seamless counters hands down. I lived with formica for years in my house and it's a very practical solution--esp. if you like to do any baking and knead or roll doughs on the counter. And as equest17 has shown it can be a lovely option as well.

Sorry, I forgot to say that the second kitchen picture is mine ;-) I'm glad you like it! The dark knobs are actually a set I bought on eBay really cheaply in a copper color and painted ORB. It certainly saved a lot of money since the ORB finish seems to be at a premium right now.

Ok, not sure if anyone will bother coming back to this. And I feel like a tool starting a whole new thread.

This is the latest idea.

Beef up moldings, paint cabs black, white subway and THIS granite tile.

Still not 100% sold on the tiles. But, when I think of the black cabinets, I feel I need something "shiney" to bounce some light off of. Most of the laminate colors that would come close to working with all that I have going (white appliacnes, taupey color floor) are very dull. Right now, I'm ready to order the Wilson HD on the spot and still do the rest. But, I can't find a single one that is light enough that works with black.

the picture isn't great. Took it with old digital, cause dh has my good camera. The color is really quite pretty in person.
I'm still afraid of all the cuts and stuff for granite tile.
Dh will DIY. The tiles are only $3.69 a piece. And we've been given a tile saw and the polishing thingy. We'd have to do a self edge, because they don't see any edges at the place we'd get the tiles.

thoughts?!

Beautiful! Thumbs up!

Love it! I really like the lettered cottage look (and may try something similar in my kitchen). It seems like it would translate well to your kitchen, especially with that countertop you've posted in either a granite tile or a similar laminate.

It looks fabulous! Very nice!

My husband did granite tile a while back for MIL's kitchen counter (6 years ago when granite slab was horribly expensive).

He used straight edge tiles (don't get beveled edge) & butt them tight against each other for the smallest possible grout lines. From a far, you can't even tell it's tiles. We asked the tile place to round 1 upper edge of the tiles that would be outside to give the look of rounded slab edge. If you have the tools you can DIY this part.

I always love black kitchens and I am sure yours will look fabulous when done!

I love the look...I think you will be very pleased! Is that one of your cabinet doors painted black? I like the way the countertop will offset the color of your appliances. I think you've got a winning combination :)

Thanks everyone!

bella, I think we're going to have to research on how to do the edges. Because we have no choice but to use edges from the big ones. Hoping dh will be able to figure it out with the right tools.

elle, that's actually just a board I had spray painted black :) I was using it to put my wicker on the other day, when I was painting it. And thought, hey..I can see what black will look ilke :)

I really wish I could just call and order the laminate. I can't believe there's NOTHING that'll work.
I figure the tile won't be a whole lot of $$. If it looks terrible, or dh just has no clue what he's doing. We can scrap it and go with laminate. Even if we lose a few hundred bucks.

You have got it!!!! LOVE those samples together....in fact, this granite tile is one that we looked at, but we have cherry cabinets/white applicances, so went with the brown,white,black,gold flecked tiles.... We have such little grout lines that I hardly notice them. There is a laminate that is just about exactly the same pattern as the granite tile that you have chosen, if that is still an option.
As for the edges.....we had wooden edges made and stained to match the cabinets and cut them to fit....DH thought it was easier than trying to cut them out of tile. Check with some of the tile edges that Bill Vincent has done on this site...don't know if it is an option or not for you.

PLEASE keep us posted....'cause, gal, you are going to have a beautiful kitchen.......and hoping you are keeping those pretty red walls that I happen to love.

phoggie, do you know what laminate you're thinking of? I've got a whole ring here, and can't seem to find a thing in the HD. There are a couple premium that aren't bad. But, have too many browns and won't work well with my floor.
I've looked through it best I can, then I start to get sick. Serioulsly, it's a HUGE ring. And it's putting off some kind of horrible smell, and all kinds of dust when I handle it. My eyes start to burn, my throat starts to itch. I seriously think this kitchen is going to be the death of me :)

I like your new combination of colors and your kitchen will have a dramatic change. It will feel like a totally new kitchen.

We had our island made bigger about 5 years ago and at that time we had granite tiles put on it. I was very happy with them. My carpenter/tiler laid the granite squares and then cut the pieces that go around the edge. Much to my horror - I hated the edge pieces. I thought they looked horrible and I took them off right after he left. I called and told him what I did and told him I wanted a wood edge instead. So we had oak wood placed at the edges. The oak was painted black to match our black painted oak island. I am attaching a photo of how it used to look.

When we did a remodel in November, I had new granite laid right over the old granite tiles. I wanted my island granite to match the granite I had installed on the perimeter cabinets.

momto4boys~~

I didn't keep all of my samples, so don't know if I can help you much or not...but then I was looking for something that would go with pecan stained cherry cabinets instead of black ones.
But I did happen to find these the might give you an idea...you can go to the websites and look at them...order several you might want to see (they are free samples) and ask for 5x3" pieces so you have a better idea of the laminate. Have you looked at Wilson Art?...they have some great looking laminate also.

The one I saw that was similar was Wilsonart Laminate 4550-01 Granite.... If we had used laminate (although it is not cheap by any means) would have been Formica Labrador
Granite Honed Finish #3692-77, but I think it would make your kitchen way too dark with black cabinets, but I just kept going back to that sample.

My granite tiles look similar to downsy's (only lighter), but we had the cabinet shop cut our wooden edges in the ogee (?) shape with their router....and wish I knew how to post pics, but I don't seem to get that mastered in this old mind~~~

Your kitchen is going to look great.....and I know it is a huge stress for you. Thinking good thoughts for you and your decisions.

downsy, beautiful! And it really shows that I DO need something to bounce the light around, ya know? With your dark island, I can't really picture a flat laminate. And I love the tiles close together like that. The grout lines are definitly not all that obvious.
Because of the bar we have, I can't see doing the wood edge. But, it's an option if the other doesn't work out.

phoggie, it's the Wilson Art HD that I want. But nothing appeals to me that isn't dark. And labrador granite (which is a premium, I think. not the HD) is one of the ones I posted in the beginning of this thread. :) That was when I was thinking green and white. Not black cabs. Cause yea, it'd be too dark.
It's funny, I now think of you every time I toss around the option to ditch the red walls :)

My DH did the counter top for MIL w/ granite tiles. We got the straight edge tiles and butt them together. You can have the outer top edge rounded with a buff/polishing tool. We didn't have the tool and the tile shop was so nice they rounded the outer edge of the tiles we need for the outside.

I think your kitchen would look great -- your samples go so well together.

Bella, because of where we're getting it. I don't think we'll get much help from them. It's a building surplus place. One of the reasons the tile is only $3 something a piece. So, our only choice is to try a self edge by cutting the 8X10's. Could be tricky, considering dh has never used a wet saw or dealt with tile before :)

My husband also cut the tile into strip for the side. However, on the top edge of the outer tiles, he used the rounded tile.

You can rent a buffer/polishing tools to do that DIY.
This site gives pretty good instruction. It isn't difficult -- my DH is not very handy but everybody was impressed how well it turned out.

http://www.dannylipford.com/diy-home-improvement/kitchens-and-baths/how-to-install-a-granite-tile-countertop/

I notice that some places sell the trim pieces/bullnose for tile countertop now.

Here is a link that might be useful: link to edge trim

momof4sons~~~ That is good....you just keep thinking about me when you even "think" of ditching those red walls.LOL And if you decide that you are not painting those oak cabinets, I really do like that labador granite laminate.....it would be my first choice if I could have used it........we must think alike~~~and that is scarey~~
BTW, what was the name of that paint?...I am going to use it someday~~

Realistically speaking....."everyone" LOVES the letered cottage look. So why not just copy it exactly? We'd ALL buy a house with that kitchen in a heartbeat!!!! It would be soooooooooooooooooo cheap to copy!!!!!!