House is a cozy colonial situated in central NY built in the 1980s that came with a magnificent piece of property. The inside, however, needed (and still needs) much update. We ripped out all the (irregular) flooring on the first floor and had them replaced. Structural changes took place in the mudroom/garage-entry area as well as the wall between kitchen and dining room (widened).

Prior to renovations, I had ZERO experience with reno of any sort, let alone in design. I stumbled upon GW and my world changed! You have all been fantastic and an invaluable source of information and support. I direct all my renovating friends here now! Your finished kitchens have all been sources of inspiration for me and I have most definitely borrowed some of your ideas (built-in paper towel holder, motion detector light switch in pantry, stone window sill...).

Lastly, this is my dream kitchen in the home we hope to raise our family in. White kitchens are fairly uncommon around these parts and so far, that is one main feature people are taken by when they first walk into our kitchen. I hope you all enjoy the photos!

Details
Cabinets: Custom-made by Concepts in Wood (Syracuse, NY), Shaker-style doors, painted BM Chantilly Lace
Counters: Super white quartzite and titanium soapstone
Main Sink: Shaws Original Sink by Rohl - 30"
Main Faucet: Single Side Lever Country Kitchen Faucet with extended spout and sidespray by Rohl
Bar sink: inexpensive stainless sink from Ebay
Bar Faucet: EcoPure filter faucet (runs water from an RO system)
Range: 36" Bluestar with griddle
Hood: Vent-a-hood
Dishwasher: Kitchenaid
Refrigerator: old Kitchenaid that came with house (plan to replace in a year or 2)
Island pendants: Restored vintage hologen industrial pendants with original Heisey glass
Hardware: Highland Ridge by Amerock in 4" and 6"
Backsplash: Bellevue 3x6 ceramic tiles in Glacier by Best Tile

Before:

Before (view into dining room):

Before (view into garage entry):

Before (pantry with crazy-deep shelving):

Before (view into family room):

After:

Coffee/Wine bar:

Titanium Soapstone:

View from Mudroom:

Pantry:

Microwave will sit on counter atop drawers:

Mudroom (closet on opposite wall):

I have to include this photo of our backsplash in the midst of being grouted, taken while my GC was at lunch. Amazing what a difference grout makes!

Lastly, a fun shot of my girls having fun with bubble wrap and packing paper one evening when I was trying to move all my junk back in:

I've been too upset to even post about it. Tomorrow we meet with the builder and a representative from the granite fabricator. Our builder didn't think it looked very good, but he said he's seen worse.

Here's the seam we ended up with

Here's the templated seam we were supposed to have

Also, we have two seams behind the sink. I can tell that something happened to the piece where the faucet holes were drilled. The swirls on the granite move opposite of the rest of the counter.

I love the stone. It's beautiful. But as DH put it, they took filet mignon and made a meatball.

On a positive note, here's out island.

Here's the picture of the area that was replaced. I don't think you can see the seams at all unless you really look for them.

And here are the seams up close.

This seam is the most noticeable simply because it was cut from a different place on the granite. We did the best we could to match up colors and movement, and I think it's fine.

I was overall disappointed that they needed to put in so many seams, but there really aren't noticeable. Once the faucet is installed and kitchen comes to life, the seams will be totally forgotten. HUGE sigh of relief.

Thanks for all your support and knowledge. I'm so glad we asked and fought for better. :-)