What kind of durability are you looking for on the countertops? Soapstone would be gorgeous but requires maintenance, as does granite. Quartz is used if maintenance free is the objective. If budget is your driving factor, there are amazing Arborite countertops that replicate their more expensive counterpart ( pun intended). Backsplash is another challenge...

We were thinking about granite but choosing a color with the stone on the island is difficult. I don't want it to get too busy or harsh looking.

you could do a granite on the counters with movement (veining and large colour variations) and a more solid stone for the island. There are tonnes of options. Quartz is comparable in cost, we went through Costco to get our Cambria countertops. The no maintenance is what captured us! you have to seal granite annually.

Go beige granite.It will be earthy.

http://houzz.com/photos/1825215

I love it! It looks great! If want stools can match granite or get stool seat cover.

I hope you kept your copper tray!? I loved it, earthy.

Looks great . I'd remove valance and have nothing there. Backless leather seated bar stools would look great also

Then uv window.

Black backless stools to complement and not compete with the stones.

Thanks all! Yes, I intended to get rid of the valance, but there is a rope light and stereo wires wrapped together in black tape strung across that window! Not sure what previous owners were thinking. The rope light provides nice lighting above the cabinets and it's plugged into an outlet above the refrig that can be turned on from a lower wall. Have to see if our electrician has a solution. Yes, I did keep the copper tray. It has sentimental value! I grew up in the Copper Country of Upper Michigan! I took someone's advice and grouped my items to make a cleaner look, so the copper items are in a grouping above the refrig. It's been a long few weeks, but we are enjoying the final results.

You did a great job in so many ways. Enjoy all that hard work now!!!

Yes, I seen you edit it (deleted). I wood display the copper. I like your display.

Looks great! I might suggest doing new hardware on the cabinets...I see something linear, maybe in black to compliment the countertops....pulls rather than knobs wherever you can.

happyleg....do you see your tray over the fridge? Perfect right there!

Looks amazing! Greatly refreshed.

Yes it looks good!