Absolutely it would be too much. My rule of thumb is never use the same tone in cabinet/floor combinations, always contrast.

If you are talking natural finishes (no stain), walnut matches the dark streaks in the hickory perfectly.

I agree w/ willinak - hickory cabinets would be too much with hickory floors. I think anything without too much grain or movement would be nice.

Here's a pic of mine with alder cabinets:

Thanks crazyhouse6 - i'm sending her this link to see your pics. this will be very helpful. that little contrast is much better.

I think it might be overwhelming, but would depend if she is planning on staining either of them. Some of the dark hickory stains I have seen completely eliminate the color variations. We have natural hickory floors and Cherry cabs in "sunset" very similar to the color of crazyhouse above, but the cherry has even less grain. Natural hickory is verrrry busy. Beautiful...but busy!

We are doing a 4" and 6" hickory with a natural finish. Our cabinets are Maple with a dark stain. The stain on the cabinet goes well with the darker areas in the hickory flooring. Unfortunately I don't have any photos to post. We are at the completely gutted stage yet.

I have some pictures of kitchens with hickory floors.
I like creamy white or creamy ivory cabs with hickory
floors. Something about the warmth of the wood and the
crisp ivory paint makes me smile.
Maybe these ideas can help her too.
~boxerpups

Hickory cabs and hickory floors

Thanks for taking the time to show pictures. I'll make sure she's seeing all of this. She's really beginning to realize the value of this site!

Crazyhouse6, I love your alder cabinets and granite (which in another thread I think you said is Giallo Ornamental). You've got exactly the kind of unfussy raised-panel cabinets I'm looking for.

Could you tell me: What brand & (if you remember) style & color are your cabinets? Have you been happy living with the alder?