Thanks I think so too. I told her to price it. Her thoughts were getting it wet and all that. Well, I'm not going to be pouring water all over it nor will it be a place for prepping food. I'll most likely do that next to the sink or right by the stove depending on what I'm prepping.

I would stay a away from concrete countertops-we have them in our outdoor kitchen. While they are beautiful and unique, they are very porous-they stained the first day they were installed. My daughter placed a pizza box on top of the counter, and it stained that spot. I love butcher block, but I'm not sure about durability. I love your inspiration picture-have you considered

quartzite? It's a great product and very durable.

Is there going to be any sink or stove in the island? If not then there is no problem with butcher block - and I have seen some with a sink which probably requires a little more attention. I seal mine with a mineral oil / wax butcher block conditioner - water doesn't absorb into it. I wipe it down just like the counters. I do have cutting boards along one side as some added protection. If worse came to worse I can sand it down or even remove it and have it replaned. I've had it 2 years and it looks great.

Price wise butcher block runs from inexpensive to very expensive depending on the wood: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20222942,00.html

The most inexpensive which is not in the above article is birch:

http://www.menards.com/main/p-2705097-c-3629.htm

Show your designer pictures - and gently remind her she works for you:)

If your concrete tops stained, they were not properly sealed. Real butcher block is nice, the mock style, not so much.

Interesting, because they were definitely sealed.

Again, I haven't totally decided on which one to do. But I told her I wanted them both priced. I want the option to know how much each of them will cost and if either option is within my budget. We originally thought concrete but so many people say it's much more expensive to do but that is not what my designer said. I'll keep you posted on the decision once I get everything all priced.

There will be no sink in the island. It's going to be a skinnier island to ensure spacing around the perimeter is sufficient. I will have a microwave on the other end from the stools. That was a must based on my kids recommendation.

my friend has butcher block with a grey kitchen and it's lovely and she has no issues with it.

I just redid my kitchen and had the wood floors stained grey. I love the finish.

For the island

countertop, look at Ceasarstone. They even have one that mimics concrete.

I did mine in a finish called pebble.

I would definitely go with the butcher clock. And question your designer as to why this is not a good choice. It is used in commercial installations for food prep areas. Is easy to maintain and looks fantastic. The cost is added bonus for it is very economical. And as you stated it adds a great warmth to the look of a kitchen. In the end you must live with it so make it yours not the designer hold firm. Best of luck.

I am sure you are very decided on the white, however craftsman, think Morris, think dark oak, think Stickley. Yes, the dark honed black granite will mimic soapstone, but that would be my preference. Soapstone in a rich greenish gray with a farmhouse sink & wall mounted Chrome faucets. With off-white matte subway tile laid horizontally, in a running bond, tight together with gray grout. Above your stove lay some antique pottery tiles from the craftsman era. You can pick them up on Craigslist or e-bay. On the island go with a true butcher block. Cannot understand why so many are going with white kitchens now. I love them but not in a craftsman house. Warm rich dark colors with oak furniture is key.

A nice thick cork floor would go great in your kitchen. How soft on the feet and warm.

My creative juices are absolutely spilling over when someone mentions craftsman.