In my opinion, the granite does not work with the cabinets. The dark colors you are considering, combined with black appliances and dark granite will make your kitchen and dining area feel cavelike. Since most people spend quite a bit of time in the kitchen, I would try for a “light and bright” atmosphere for both areas. Finding a paint which agrees with the both the cabinets and the granite will be difficult. Do you have the option to have the cabinetry painted? If you do, you could select the lightest color in the granite, even if it is white or pale gray, but not the pink tone. Once the cabinets and granite are in harmony, you can pick a color for the walls.

Don't HOPE your contractor will use it, INSIST !!! The installation of marble is different to tile installations !!! And yes, the Ditra is sold in Home Depot however ask your contractor first, how much it will cost you, when he is providing the Ditra mat. He usually get's a better price and could pass it through to you. This is what I do for my clients. There are a couple important things to consider like the proper surface preparation, using the right setting materials and setting technics as well as proper sealing after installing. The three most important steps for a long lasting and worrier free marble installation are: 1. Preparation 2. Preparation and 3. Preparation. It is not so much about the material, it is all about the sufficient surface preparation, the proper installation and the regular maintenance thereafter. Please read these discussions to learn more about common "problem's" with marble and how to avoid them. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/10-modern-marble-looks-stsetivw-vs~2692318 You could also go with limestone or granite, however limestone is not that much different to install and maintain compared to marble. This barrier free shower was built of travertine and sealed thereafter. My clients have no problems at all. And they are using it at least twice each day. Cheers, Bertram

@ feeny--WOW! I like the more muted tiles on the 2nd picture. Thank you for posting those. I get it now. Here are the other images. I am sorry I got the backside of one of our workers. @fife2 This is a large piece I already own (w/ the table in the kitchenette area. I'm wondering if I should move that armoire thing to the kitchenette area. Currently it's in my entryway because I had no idea where to put it but I think it's pretty. It's a shame money doesn't grow on trees otherwise I'd take down all the walls and level the floors so our house is all one level. You can see the large opening into the room with the fireplace. I sort of wish that were closed off since there's no where to go for peace and quiet if someone's watching TV (unless you go to a bedroom or the office).

Works great, here's another 1 http://www.wayfair.com/Majestic-Home-Products-Trellis-Large-Ottoman-85907220277-JZZ2543.html http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Designer-Collections-by-Sheri-Bukara-Two-tone-Embroidered-24-inch-Throw-Pillow/8237639/product.html?refccid=ZG4QHEP7LIGYAKKMQZVUYXPMC4&searchidx=0