Because the manufacturers these days want you to repurchase they use bottom of the line powder coating which is on your black taps. doesnt matter how good the construction is underneath the black coating it will rust within 3 - 12 months. the black they use is a industrial black which holds moisture (yes it is the same family of blacks on your bullbars that are on the front of your 4wd) this is designed to look good in the showroom but break down over months. Custom powder coating when done properly and with the highest materials on the market which not many use is the best cosmetic coating in the world in my opinion. it will outlast all anodizing and chrome but not raw materials like gold, silver etc etc. regards Bling Custom Coatings and soon to be Bling Home Decor.

I usually add glass between the wood and vanity. You can add a layer of stone or marble if you wish

Unless buying custom manufactured wood cabinets, you are buying a series of boxes. A 100k euro kitchen installation of an Italian kitchen is one example from my portfolio. Differences are found in the hardware, the door/drawer pulls, weight of doors and exterior finishes. It is about the design, first. In our region, you can knock off 1200-2000 just be sticking with a full depth fridge--but it is design that will make it possible to install full depth and get a counter depth effect. In the Garden Oaks Fine Accommodation residential display suite I needed to prove that a high-end design can be executed for less. Again, it is design that does the trick. The owner of the kitchen above loves the pendants over the breakfast counter. I did not have the heart to reveal the price--$19 each. That owner likes/needs bling so the 14k euro chandeliers (2) in the foyer are a feature. But we get more comments on our pendants--because they are integral to the overall design. Real estate agents have pegged this kitchen at anywhere from 45-75k. It cost under 30k. DYI projects offer the opportunity to take the time that you might not otherwise allow to a designer (hence our need to come equipped with knowledge, contacts and suppliers that augment our services). I recommend drawing from images (Houzz is great for that) to start, then researching suppliers, collecting specs, and developing a document that covers all aspects of the kitchen from lifestyle needs to style to comparisons of product reviews. Whittle it down to an instruction for purchase and installation. Consider challenges such as the dreadful corner cabinet turntable and splurge on solutions that make your design truly functional. You'll appreciate the expense that delivers practical functionality. There are remarkable solutions for the corner cabinet--but my fav is to determine whether that space can become storage (cabinet or drawers) in an adjoining room. When not practical, articulated pull-out stainless shelves are functional--and cool. Undermounted sinks are great for clean-line counters. Well placed recessed lighting (design again) eliminates the need for other fixtures--and allows you free rein to purchase for focal point impact or (my preference) to fit seamlesly into the overall look. Enjoy the journey--have fun!

The mosaics behind the vanity are called extra light diamond from Rex. I have added the website http://www.rex-cerart.it/en/extra-light/ The tiler will screed the wall in white so no other colour comes through and then use an adhesive in white and then grout. I have sealed the grout also as white grout can discolour. You will see on the website some amazing applications of this little glass mosaic. Happy hunting