A natural hardwood in the "yellow" tones (like maple, oak or hickory) will increase the amount of yellow you see in the cabinets. Just so you know.

Personally I like the look of hickory (natural) with oak or maple cabs. It gives a great tone-on-tone without having the floors blend into the cabs. If you are trying to tone down the yellow, you may have to look into another colour.

Wow - I am so glad you mentioned the "yellow tones" - you are absolutely right! Hadn't thought of it. So I should use something with a green undertone maybe...something in the gray family. I am having a really hard time finding the right countertop in laminate. And NO - I am really not interesting in spending a bazillion dollars on trendy granite. I want something more with an abstract pattern, yet timeless. Not trendy. Pewter Mesh is my choice so far, but not entirely sure yet.