Help! I'm having a bona fide design emergency. (WARNING: slightly melodramatic post to follow) After planning our kitchen remodel for more than a year, it's go-time. We need to officially officially order our new countertop material in the next 2 weeks. After originally wanting soapstone (way back in the dark ages of Spring 2012), I decided I was sure I wanted "marble" (or, in my case, Zodiaq Bianco Carrara quartz) for a "classic white kitchen" look.

Now, I am having nagging worries that I should go dark (probably a black granite) for contrast. The kitchen is open to the dining and living room and although it's across from french doors that lead to the deck, the kitchen itself lacks a window and is dim, which is part of the reason I wanted all white - to be as visually expansive as possible.

We'll have white cabinets, trim, doors, and ceiling and nickel hardware and either white subway tile or marble/glass mosaic blacksplash (something slightly shimmery, probably). Medium/dark wood floors, stainless appliances, light grey walls, white window treatments (shades and curtains), tan couch, medium/dark wood dining table and coffee table. The fireplace in the living room (which is visible from the kitchen and vice versa) will be tiled in slate. Our style is classic contemporary.

In the summer I like to incorporate polished coastal influences (white coral, capiz shells) and in winter, ski lodge (birch bark candles, fur throws). We spend more time in and looking at this room than any other so I am freaking out about making the right, very costly choice.

I know either option would look good, but I am paralyzed by fear that I'll make the wrong choice and regret it. Some inspiration images follow.

What should I do?