I am redesigning my kitchen with the cabinets I inherited from the previous owner. Not bad actually: Diamond made, maple stained 'cider'. In the new design, I am blowing out a wall to create an island. Instead of going darker, I chose a matching panel cabinet painted coconut (creamy white); instead of doing a solid quartz counter, I went with a granite that has some movement but neutral colors (slate blues, taupes, brown, greys). For the main counters, I chose a 'solid' quartz that somewhat mirrors the coconut if the island cabinets - creamy, greyish white.

Nothing is final yet. Am I nuts for doing a granite island with white cabinets against a solid quartz with maple 'cider' cabinets?

more info: the home is in San Diego; the kitchen has vaulted ceilings and will be open to the living and dining areas; the kitchen will have two 5'x5' windows looking out on an amazing view - my design idea was based on the concept that the island will become an internal focal point for a very open space and the kitchen will promote the eye out the windows to the view (rather than an ornate cabinet/counter combo)

thanks to all that wade in!!