I sanded then primed but on a base coat then went to hobby lobby and bought 5 different shades of Americana acrylic paint and sea sponge. I went to lowes and picked s countertop and took sample withe to hobby lobby. I started with one shade sponging . When it dried I did another. I kept doing that till I got the look I wanted . You can add more of any color at any time if you want to. Once I got it like I wanted I put 6 coats of poly acrylic over the top that I got at lowes. I didn't use the countertop for 2-3 days. When I first did it I left something wet on and it bubbled but once the wet was removed it goes right back to normal. As time has gone on and it's cured more it doesn't do that anymore.

Tsilanko, I would always recommend professional installation where needed. But what I am doing here is suggesting that WHEN you are planning to build or renovate, to consider how your plans will affect you in 20 or 30 years time. Split levels are very hep when you are young. A kitchen 3 steps down at 30 is rarely a problem, but might be a hazard at 60, or, as Marjie1059 suggested, if you break a leg. ... All my parents' homes were terrible for old people. They were forced to move to a bungalow in extreme old sge because the location and design of their home was more suitable for an active young couple with a large family than for an elderly couple with stroke disabilities. I would not want to move again, so my present home has features built in that make ageing in place simpler. Mostly small changes, like grab rails, and lever handles on doors and faucets. A major disability suddenly suffered requires major changes if permanent. I did look at this because it came up in the discussion, but if you look at the heading, Planning for Disability, it means just that. Plan ahead so you don't have to make expensive changes later on. But thank you for your advice, yes, major changes are not in the DIY domain.

Ashwani/ Nainita , It is advisable you post the floor plan along with the images of the kitchen for anyone to give an informed suggestion. Thanks, Nitin CORNERSTONE DESIGNS, Bangalore.

It’s is back painted glass. As a back splash it can be used as it’s easy to clean and maintain. Highly recommended to be toughened. The entire back needs to be cladded in waterproof plywood and then the glass is stuck on to it with special adhesive or silicon gel. Any reservations on using plywood then you can opt for WPC ( wood plastic composite ) which is alternative to play and is totally termite-water proof.