really great kitchen! Using stools with color or no color is a preference. Did you have a style in mind, were you using a fabric, were you going to paint stools? I would decide on some other surrounding things first, like will you be putting up window treatments and what will those look like. Lets just say that was your plan, were they going to have a color or a pattern, you could easily pull from there. Do you like more monochromatic schemes, then maybe just a different color wood or metal will work best for you. You could even go really modern and do a lucite. If you have more info about your additional plans that would help.

I really like your kitchen and I love those stools. Have you seen them on Restoration Hardware too? They were on sale recently. I like the idea of metal or even painted white as opposed to the red. I always had pops of red in my kitchen and I am personally sick of it now, so then you would not be limited in the event you want to change your accessories.

What is the name of the wall paint color?

i didnt see the link to the stools!! i do like those a lot!!!! i think red would look great, if you do get sick of them i think they would be easy to paint down the road.

I like the idea of going with the red stools! It will give your kitchen a little more personality. I'm assuming your smaller appliances are retro-looking to match the stools you're interested in. If you go with something neutral, the space may start to feel a little sterile after a while, especially with all the white on white going on. Since most people on average spend a lot of their time in the kitchen, you'd probably want to enjoy being in it. You could always repaint the stools too if you decide to change your mind. Best of luck!

Consider a backless counter stool, I see you have a clean contempory style , love that light fixture
I like the idea of metal to perk up that space under the counter , here is an example avail at barstools.com
Cheers!

Thanks for all the ideas. I think we will go with the red. It's true a paint job on them in future if needed should be easy. I was not planning on having any other appliances on the counter, just my red kitchen aide mixer which is sort of retro. We have a retro looking toaster but I was going to keep it in the pantry. There will be 4 floating shelves flanking a stainless contemporary hood which I plan on putting my fiesta ware collection, which is red and retro. So hopefully that will tie in nicely.
The wall color is Shermin Williams Popular Grey.
I do like the industrial looking stools as well. I found a similar one I really like but my husband insists on having a stool with a back.

Beautiful job! A little red won't hurt. Question; why the single industrial pendant over the sink and the glass over the island? Just curious..............The windows could take white linen roman shades with red banding for a shot of interest, or a red and white cotton ticking stripe.

I love a pop of RED with white and other neautral colors! GO FOR THE RED!

I chose the glass light first to go with the west elm glass link chandelier which is in the dining area.
http://www.decorpad.com/bookmark.htm?bookmarkId=4940

Then I discovered barnlightelectric.com which I fell in love with so I got the industrial pendant. I wasn't sure if they worked. Do you think not? I used the same style of industrial light thru out the home as well so it ties in, I hope. ;). Suggestions welcome!

Lucy, your cabinets are magnificent! May I ask if they're custom or from a manufacturer?

onthefence, check out Berloni...they make pretty sweet European style cabinets and distribute here in the US. Also, most US manufacturers offer slab doors in really sweet woods/wood veneers. I personally wouldn't use a veneer for a door, but slabs in solid wood are available.

They are from Omega, the dynasty line. Cherry with a light stain called autumn.

I also purchased a runner from Flor that looks like this:

Thanks to Lucy and nFormal for the cabinet info.

Lucy, that rug is amazing too! Can't wait to see your end kitchen.

Re: Lighting. The single pendant over the sink looks lost. Either add two more to make a bigger impression, or find a rectangular piece. It appears to be too small for the area in comparison to the fixture over your island.

I also like the red for bar stools, but I'm not sure I agree that the style works for your kitchen. I do agree with the single pendant looking a little lonely. Because the electrical is already in, can you replace the single fixture with a multi light bar? Window Treatments would also fill in the space.

I see what you mean about the pendant. It is a big space for one little light. I will definitely go with the window treatment suggestions and will consider a bigger multi pendant since the electrical is already completed. Thanks!

Hi again,
There are pleanty of fabrics in the "Kryptonite" range which are made for use on barstools, banquettes, and other kinds of contract seating. Kravet fabrics is one company that manufactures these. Find a resource in your area and check them out. You will find plenty of fabrics that will introduce red in patterns that are very cool, inexpensive, and more interesting than a solid red leather or vinyl. By using a pattern you'll avoid the cliche look of a diner and have a more residential kitchen.