I should add that I am fine with any of the countertop materials in question. I am aware of the marble "issues" but can certainly live with a degree of "patina." (with 4 kids in an 1895 house, our lives are filled with "patina.") Also, it appears that quite a few GW's have marble tops and do just fine. On the other hand, the extreme functionality and simple beauty of stainless really appeals to me. And I've had a love affair with soapstone for a while (I oil the samples from M. Tex. every few days just because I like to.) So it's mostly a question of aesthetics.

Wow, you've certainly hit on all my favorite counter materials...well, I guess you could've added cherry end grain butcherblock! ;-) I can see why it's hard to choose.

I think I like #3. If anything, it seems that the black contrasting island might be the thing that dates the otherwise classic kitchen, and is the thing that really shows off the stark contrast. It will be a big presence in the room in black. I love the elegance of the white on white it would have...Still a focal point, but more understated.

Like you, I might be voting for the stainless if it weren't for the peninsula bar. The bi-level bar, as you've said, isn't really in-keeping with the look you want, but I think the soapstone will help it blend and look OK.

All in all, this is a great dilemma to be having! :-D

Even before I read Rhome's post, my vote is for #3 as well. I think the reverse-matchy concern is valid, and what a beautiful island it would be to have it white on white. The black soapstone countertops will look great on the perimeter. I agree that stainless would only work if it wasn't bi-level. I don't think you can go wrong with #3.

Same with me. I think the white on white island will be beautiful.

I agree about the "reversey" bit.

Thank you so much. It's great to have a gut feeling affirmed instead of being told (as by dh) that I am "losing my mind with this whole kitchen renovation." I'm so glad it's not too late in the game to change this because I agree with all three of you. Now ...can you find me a beautiful white marble? :)

Check out Imperial Danby Marble!

If you search this forum you should find beautiful examples of it.

I have it in my own kitchen but not quite ready to post pics yet.

I love stainless, in fact DH is one of the largest fabrictors on the east coast, but I don't think it melds well in many kitchens.

Perhaps, if you are planning a stainless sink, you could have a large drainboard surround with runnels fabricated consistent with that period look.

I also vote for #3. Have you considered adding texture to the island base? White beadboard would be fabulous! Are you planning hardwood floors? Another suggestion would be have the island base stained a tone just a tad darker than the floor - it will ground the space nicely and your marble will really pop.

I agree! I like paulines beadboard idea.

You people are amazing. You just solved all my design issues.

White on white it is , and I will be checking out imperial danby. Paulines I also like the beadboard idea. Originally, my perimeter cabs were going to be beadboard but it started to look very busy and "stripey" around the perimeter, so I switched to shaker. But beadboard would be great for the island. I am tempted by the stained island idea , as I love stained wood, but the white on white is too irresistible. I'm sold. thanks so much.

I like #3 best but also like the idea of a stained island, or an island painted in a neutral grey-beige color with either a marble or cherry BB top

I second (third, fourth) the beadboard on the island idea! So funny, I was going to suggest in my original post but my thought was "Don't derail victoriajane from whatever her vision is". I think beadboard would look amazing on the island - would give it a defining feature while still relating to the perimeter cabinets.

If you don't care for the idea of a ss sink with drainboard surround, here's another sink that would look awesome with a beadboard island:

Here is a link that might be useful: pretty linky...