It's been almost a year since I've posted on this site. (I miss all you folks and your great advice and patience - although I still lurk and post occasionally) I was basically done with the kitchen last year, EXCEPT that I still needed to caulk between the countertop (ikea laminate aluminum effect) and the walls. I was having problems finding a latex (not silicone) caulk to match the countertop. But recently, I came across this site:
American Technology, Inc., Online Retailer of Kampel Brand Products
I purchased a caulk called colorflex I. First, I called them (Kampel) and asked for a sample of their sample standard colors. Their aluminum caulk matched perfectly with the ikea countertop I bought.
So, having caulked the perimeter of the countertop, I guess I'm officially done with the kitchen. I will be posting pics soon.
BTW: one year later, and I still love looking at my ikea kitchen! Under $9,000 for a complete kitchen re-do, which included busting a wall out , new floorring, and all new SS appliances. And I did 95 percent of the work myself.