[greenie227]

Having decided to be an optimist (my renovation is 3 weeks ahead of schedule -- either my builder was trying to lower expectations with his first timeline, or he's a genius -- I don't care which), I am ordering a kitchen next week that is a combination of Nexus BB and Abstrakt white. I know I probably won't get the Nexus BB for a few weeks or months, but I'm willing to wait. The base cabs will be the BB, the high cabs will be the BB, and the wall cabs will be the Abstrakt white.

Now to finalize countertop and tile choices. I had really wanted an eco-friendly material, but I had also wanted a light or white countertop. I don't care for the recycled glass countertops, which seem to be the only really light and eco-friendly countertop choice. 3-form is too expensive, and Eco-Cem needs a lot of sealing (and none of the installers in my area will install it for me).

Soooooo, I'm looking at 3 final contenders: Lagos Blue quartz, Desert Limestone quartz, and brown latte Shetkastone. Any thoughts? As a backsplash, I'm going to use a stainless steel panel behind the range, and 1x6 tiles from Coverings in pale green and beige (stacked, not subway).

Pictured below is the BB with the Shetkastone -- but I guess my basic question is: would anyone use a dark brown (with light texture) countertop with the BB?

[DesignDiva]

pix?

[greenie227]

Here's the Lagos Blue and the Desert Limestone. My kitchen plan is in the Gallery. The greenish tile would be several rows up from the countertop, and the white the rest of the way up to the wall cabs.

[pearl]

Greenie227: Can I ask your opinion. I have a very very small kitchen which I stare into - see the word doc below which shows the view from my couch.

Currently there are old Ikea cabinets and I have the attached new plan.

My designer and I came to Nexus except in the middle on top would be glass - frosted white. Can't remember which style.

I would like to replace my pendants with crystally ones

Now I am wondering if I should follow your plan and do white ABSTRAKT on top?

I want light countertops too.

In the case where you planned to do NBB on bottom and ABstrakt on top, what color do I use to inclose my refrigerator which is tucked away on the left side?the White to integrate the top shelf or the NBB?

My designer is very helpful but frankly wants me to drive all these decisions and I am so confused.

Can you help?

Also, what handles did you end up using? I have a gift certificate from Restoration hardware and will probably use it for handle

[madp67]

I'm not Greenie, but I do have a question.

What color will your appliances be? That may change the response you receive.

Also, will your new layout remain as above?

Uploading pics to your gallery would be great as you can take advantage of having all of them in one convenient place whenever you need them or whenever someone else has questions about your project. It's really easy to do. Let us know if you need help.

[greenie227]

First question -- your pdf doc says you're using Nexus Birch. Is this correct, or is Nexus Black Brown correct?

I think glass doors on some wall cabs would be great. We were going to do NBB base cabs with Abstrakt White wall cabs because (a) my husband doesn't like glass doors on cabinets, and (b) I thought using the NBB and AW would have a 50's modern vibe. Had I gone that route, I would have wrapped my frig area (with pantries on either side) in AW, and used AW cover panels on the one base cab whose side is exposed. I really like that look -- but it really tones down the NBB and has a very distinct modern look. Someone on this site wrapped their Nexus Yellow Brown cabs with white cover panels -- I can't remember who, but you'd get a good idea of the style.

So I think the cabinet door decision depends on what color appliances, and also whether you want the wall cabs to pop or to blend. I think AW would pop, while glass would blend -- I love both looks. As to the refrigerator area, again it depends on if you want pop or blend (I sound like this crazy cheerleader choreographer from some Kirsten Dunst movie).

I love mixing cabinet fronts (even though we ended up not doing it yet). I think either look is lovely. What color appliances are you going to use?

For handles, we used the longest Lansa that would fit on the base and pantry cabinets, with Strecket on the wall cabs. I wish I had done the Strecket everywhere -- I love how they disappear -- but I was heavily jonesing for Lansa for years and just stuck with it. Sometimes a girl just can't get over a crush!

[pearl]

Thank you for your help. My plan does say birch... mistake by my designer... I want the NBB. But am a little afraid as my kitchen is so small and I wonder if the NBB all over will make it looks so much smaller... My appliances are SS. So hence, I am so confused. I am not sure if I do NBB and glass mix on top as my designer suggests or if I do NBB and Abstrakt white on top... I need to go to IKEA this weekend and see it in person. I don't think I am going to be happy with seeing into my glass cabinets.

[madp67]

I can understand your confusion Pearl. I'm faced with that same decision in redoing my mom's kitchen. My advice while at IKEA this weekend is to order cabinet fronts in NBB & Abstrakt White (they may have something in stock) and take them home with you. Once home, looking at the combination, it will be easier to make your decision. You may also look in the "As is" section to see if they have them there for a fraction of the cost. The only drawback is that you couldn't return the "as-is" purchase.

[ludes98]

Greenie- I think the Lagos or the Limestone both look great. For whatever reason I just don't like the darker top with the BB. I think the lagos sorta looks like poured concrete. Is it just me?

[gsudie]

Hi - I saw a kitchen with NBB cabinets, Snow White Quartz countertop and white glass backsplash, with stainless steel appliances. It looks gorgeous. I am getting the same for mine. You should look up the samples.