The big-picture idea for the apartment was scale and simplicity...the exact opposite of most home improvement stores/showrooms. I know hatin' is bad but I really hate the whole granite countertop scene. Really. It is not a must have.
I spent a crazy amount of time trying to track down and purchase Ikea butcher block countertops (without paying insane shipping). I was defeated. We were running out of time and options and my husband made a great discovery...the John Boos Outlet store. He was in daily contact with a very nice guy at the store who saved two beautiful maple countertops for us. One was extra wide and we used it to wrap around one end of the counter (a big "L" shape)...perfect little breakfast bar with stools. I sealed them with a few coats of satin poly and they are so pretty.
- John Boos (this is a true factory outlet): 507 E Fayette Ave. Effingham, IL 62401
- Flooring: pretty and simple maple; Pergo Emerson Maple at Lowes
- Ceiling: wide plank pine stained with semi-opaque white (thank you Sarah's House)
- Tile: mini subway tile at Lowes
Oh my do I know about trying to get butcher block at Ikea! We waited and waited and waited and finally found out they got a shipment in and dropped everything to drive to Denver and get the three pieces we needed and then it was snowing like crazy on the way home! :)
They are for our family room/craft room/office space not a kitchen - more of a desk top workspace.
I too dislike that granite is made out to be a "must". Plus, at least two people I've known who've had them have begun getting holes in their shirts where they stand at counter height from the granite sort of cutting the fabric.
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly | September 03, 2012 at 03:20 PM
I love the look of your kitchen! It’s so cozy, warm, and bright! I’d definitely want to spend my mornings there, beside the huge window, drinking a nice hot cup of coffee. Amazing! =)
Posted by: Elinor Haswell | September 27, 2012 at 03:14 PM