It's done!!

BEFORE:

AFTER!

We found the island on closeout on Catskill Craftsmen. I was nervous about buying something like that online, but it's terrific - very solid and just the right dimensions for our space. 

Backsplash

We had to wait a couple of weeks until our installers had room in their schedule. Although their main work is in carpentry and IKEA installation, they had previous experience with backsplashes, and we were happy with the work they did on our floor. 

They spent the first day applying the thin set and placing the tiles, and then a half day applying the grout and caulk.

We used products recommended by Oceanside Tile:
Thin-set: premium glass tile thin-set mortar by Custom Building Products
Grout and caulk: unsanded Polyblend grout (Delorean Gray) by Custom Building Products

I ended up having to do a lot of cleanup and grout touch-ups afterwards. We're generally happy with the results, but there are a couple of things I wish I had done differently:
1) I wish I had asked to help align/straighten some of the tiles (I think this was something that concerned me more than them)
2) I would have pressed the issue on finishing the edges (the vertical edges and the edge above the window aren't very tidy).
However, I love the glass tile - and XSStudio was such a good deal. 

Counters

Counter:
IKEA contracts with a local company (Preferred Marble and Granite), who set up an appointment with us. We chose an undermount sink, so they will take that and adhere it to the slab. The final installation is expected about in about a week. If the measurements differ from the plan, we will pay (or be refunded) the difference. If we had to reschedule, we'd be at the end of the line (= and extra two weeks wait) so we were so glad our contractors had the base cabinets ready in time. 

The template visit was on Thursday, 6/12. They "started looking at the plans" the following Monday, and scheduled us for Friday, 6/29. I am pretty grumpy that we have to wait this long - they had the preliminary measurements (and our payment) two months ago. When I asked about an earlier appointment, I was told "that is our production schedule." It makes me wonder if they have adequate staffing. So no sink/dishwasher/disposal for another two weeks.

The installation was on Friday, 6/29. They didn't actually adhere the sink to the slab beforehand. The installation was fairly quick - it took less than two hours. The adhesive and solvents smelled terrible (and this is coming from a chemist!). No sink use for 24 hours to let the silicone cure. The seam is near the middle of the sink, and it's barely noticeable.

Mr. BC installed the sink plumbing, so we had a working sink by Sunday night :) We left a few days later for a road trip. When we returned, we discovered that the sink had begun to sag - I could fit my hand between the sink and the counter! Fortunately we noticed this before any water damage had occurred. The installers returned to reglue the sink and to add some additional supports at the center (strips of wood epoxied to the sink and the counter), and they were very apologetic. Hopefully this will do the trick. This has been our only issue so far with any item related to the new kitchen.

Close-up of counter (Belgian Moon)