It's really hard to tell with all close-ups of the pictures. Can you take full room pictures to give us an overall idea of what the rooms look like? I do like the hutch!

yes, I realize that I did that....sorta hiding the mess that the kitchen ended up being today after moving out the old fridge and bring in the new...so there are things EVERYWHERE...when I get it all cleaned up ;) I'll post some full shots..sorry..I was just being eager

I know this is a very personal decision, but I much prefer a matte black/grey than the faux granite look. To me, the faux granites are trying to look like something they are not. There was a recent thread on black & white kitchens which had a nice example of white cabinets with black counters.

It's always hard to make a decision based on a little sample, but I'm liking the top right one. There's also laminates that look similar to soapstone if you're interested in that.

Laurie

My brain first jumped to the green because of the grape vine, and well let's face it. I LOVE GREEN! But if truth be told I think you'd do better with something black since your new appliances (how exciting!)will be stainless and your cabinets are white. Green, as pretty as it is, if you don't love, love, love it, can get old faster than basic black ever will. I like Laurie's idea of soapstone too. I'm thinking you might be able to pull that off using basic black or even a dark charcoal and a dark gray using the technique you do when doing the "leather" paint technique. Here's a picture of a sample board I did when we were planning on doing this in the Gentleman's Parlor. You'll have to visualize it in black/charcoal.
{{!gwi}}
Click on photo to enlarge

Oops. I forgot to mention how easy this technique is to do. 1.Two paint colors, I played around with craft paints to find which two worked for the end result. You can have each color matched once you find the colors you want.
2.Glaze medium. (check Wal Mart Color Place for best price.)
3.Enough sheets of thin/cheap plastic drop cloths to cover the area you'll be painting. This is used to get the veined/wrinkled affect not to protect your working area.
4.Satin polyurethane.

1.Paint on base coat using a roller. Let dry.
2.Mix Glaze according to instructions. I usually add a little bit of water to make it workable a bit longer, but it's not necessary to do so. I mixed mine in a Sterilite pitcher. It has measurements on the sides and will keep your mixture fresh for a very long time.
3.Roll on glaze mixture over one whole section or where you want it to appear to have a seam.
4.With help of a partner, hold plastic above the counter and lay down over entire area. Once down you can manipulate the wrinkles to get the affect you want.
5.Pull off plastic once you feel it's where you want it to be.
If not, roll over counter and repeat #s 4 and 5.

The technique that justgotbme described is call frottage. It's similar to rag rolling.

I dont like any of the samples. I agree with valinsy. I would do a matte black, it would go with everything you have now or any changes you might do in the future. It is classic.

SW guys suggest this product Acrolon 100 Waterbased urethane will cost about $150 (then deduct 25% off for their sale).

it can tinted to any color they have.

what do you think, is this even necessary? easy to use?

http://www.paintdocs.com/webmsds/webPDF.jsp?SITEID=STORECAT&doctype=PDS&lang=E&prodno=B65W721

I like the lower left. Go for what you like.