[jillm]

Now that I have finished the layout the fun begins as I narrow down on a countertop and backsplash.

My kitchen is open to my dining room and livingroom so the look will be continuous. The entry way is slate tile and I will probably use that in the kitchen as well because the I think introducing another surface would be too much for the relatively small space. I've uploaded photos of my flooring and dining room table for reference.

I am concerned about light. The slate is dark and the Liljestad obviously is as well. I am thinking of painting the walls all over maybe a camel color and using a leaf green for curtains and in sofa pillows. I have a large piece of art in the living room that has a dark burlwood frame, white mat, and a forest scene.

I am looking for an earthy organic feel but would like something with just a bit of an edge to it perhaps as it is all pretty traditional at this point. I was thinking maybe glass panels because it would be simple and reflective and something light (whats left of the budget will dictate the surface) on the countertop? I would love any suggestions!!!

[RubrikGreen]

Earthy but slightly edgy -- brought these ideas:

Slices of tree branch (rounds) - either with bark or without - mounted like tile & grouted, but heavily polyurethaned. If they're sliced at an angle, you'll get oval sections. Depending on the species, can be quite light; if you use the bark, then the grout color wants to coordinate w/the bark color. Not much $ if you can cut your own slices ;^)

Pale, small river pebbles w/coordinating dove grey grout - some tonal variation, some smoothness, light but not really "bright".

[OR river-pebble shaped glass tiles in colors to coordinate w/your walls/etc. (this can be $$$, tho')]

How about grass paper (wall paper with the grass in it) or other similar botanical-embedded specialty paper *behind* glass panels - so you get some "natural" visual texture, but still have the smoothness and reflectivity of the glass. Probably would need to waterproof the paper w/a coat of poly, etc. first. (condensation issues)

Clear glass over skeletonized leaves --- glue the leaves down first (I'm thinking just polyurethane them to the wall) then glass on top. Make your own design w/leaves of trees you like.

Glass panels with spray-on etching on back - you can put leaves/twigs/any ol' thing on the glass first, spray w/"etching" solution, and then remove the objects. You get a frosted background w/the objects as silhouettes in clear glass.

mmm... ok, 'bout run the course for brain-storming ideas on this. I'll post again if any others come.

;^)

[jillm]

All great ideas. Thank you. I am also thinking maybe a nice bold wall decal(or paint if I can't find what I'm looking for). Maybe a nice long tree branch or something.
You are very creative. I will mull all this over for a while.

[greenie227]

if you're looking for organic, 3-form puts organic materials in a resin to make panels. check out 3form USA.

[jillm]

Oh, very cool. Thanks. I will definately continue to explore this!