[Lisa]

First, look at this page, please:

http://www.hakatai.com/XQ/ASP/ID.188...te/QX/Page.htm

Now, visualize this combination:

Liljestad cabinets with stainless (and in case of dishwasher, black) appliances, oak stave HEMSE laminate, floating black/brown LACK shelves with silver and modern whiteware, bamboo roman shade, HJUVIK faucet and stainless steel worktop sink. Pots and pans, mixing bowls, etc.stored on GRUNDTAL shelves to the immediate left of the vent hood chase. Despite the traditional feel of the Lilejstad, I'm still drawn to the capita legs. I'm leaning toward a laminate called champagne papyrus (waiting on big sample). My actual backsplash is going to be frosted plate glass.

Another major element for consideration is my prized capiz shell pendant: http://www.worldmarket.com/costplus/...=1&id=2855

Where I need assistance is with the chase (I know, I've asked before). I've found a great source of glass tiles (hakatai.com) but I'm stuck on color and their sample system is to buy a pack of all the colors for $30. Which seems silly. And their return policy features a 25% restocking fee if decide to just throw caution to the wind and order based on what I see on my monitor. I should also mention that we don't have a great big ole tile shop to wander through here.

I'm torn between Parisian Blush tiles and Ginger Tea. I'm thinking the ginger tea feels too yellow compared to the capiz shell. I don't want it to be matchy matchy, but I also don't want these two elements cursing at one another. The Parisian Blush might be "quieter" - maybe too quiet.

Or am I all wrong in going for an iridescent? Maybe just a standard glass tile in a taupe-y color? Why must this all be so *earthshattering*?

[jen_va]

Lisa,

I vote for Parisian Blush, for two reasons. First, I agree with you that Ginger Tea is too yellow. Second, the Parisian Blush is beautiful, but subtle enough (but not TOO subtle) to let the capiz shell pendant be the room's focal point -- I think with Ginger Tea, the chase and the light would be two competing focal points. (I just got a mental image of the light and the chase in a Celebrity Deathmatch-style battle.) I think with two focal points, the room starts feeling busy and you don't notice the beauty of either one.

Gee, it's so easy for me to form an opinion about someone else's kitchen. Why can't I be this decisive with my own?

Jen

[GardenOfDarwin]

Yes, I must concur.Whenyou first mentionedthe Ginger Tea the other night, I was sure that was it, but now seeing it in combination with the Capiz Shell pendant, well...yeah, a deathmatch wouldn't be pretty. Parisian Blush looks like a good complement. Too bad you can't see them in person.

Do they evenhave displays in showrooms? I wonder if there might be one in Richmond...not too far...?

And I thought this was going to be another Hallarum vs. Liljestad vs. Arlig Beech vs. Applad Blue-Grey thread. Sigh.

Susan

[Lisa]

I'm going to bite the bullet and order a sheet of Parisian Blush. I should take a picture of my capiz shell pendant, because the Market's image reads so brown, but it's really a pale taupe-y color.

I think you all are right; I don't want too much competition, especially since in the dining area of the kitchen there will be 3 retro styled vases with glycerin preserved split philo leaves sitting on a 73" dark brown LACk shelf under a nice halogen eyeball light. *whew*

FWIW, I'm also going with traditional toekicks since I have so few cabinets and in the grand scheme of things, the fridge, dishwasher and stove will make it seem very, very choppy with the capita legs.

[Tigratrus]

And is that your FINAL answer?:shock:

[Lisa]

Well, I did send off a revised quote request to IKEA this afternoon.:shock:

[GardenOfDarwin]

Revised for WHAT?

Susan

[Tigratrus]

Probably updated to reflect her new choices... Settle down... Right Lisa? Please?

[Lisa]

For lilejstad + standard toekicks[suP]*[/suP] and another pathetic begging attempt for the Hjuvik. Traditional+ ultra modern ='s hope I can pull it off. Maybe I should throw all caution to the wind and get a Domsjo sink, too

Of course, what couldn't be an improvement considering where the kitchen started?



* I can't tell from the planner if there is a lilejstad toekick...and the coverpanels are also MIA. Love that planner program. *sigh*

[GardenOfDarwin]

You did see my post on the Hjuvik, didn't you? Hate to say this, but you might want to wait....

Susan