Hi, I absolutely love how it looks but I have to be honest it stains easily. If I could do it over I would have picked something more practical for a beach house. I cringe every time someone leaves a cup of coffee or wine glass on my counter. BUT IT IS GORGEOUS.

Butcher block

IMO if your island is a different color than the rest of the cabinets then the counters should all be the same the only time I do a different counter on the island is when all the cabinets are the same I think the other way is too many finishes FYI in the pic you posted I would not have put an island in that space it looks too tight

Flo, thanks for the clarification. I think I would really like that. I'm not sure why the builder installed the 4" granite around the backsplash when he knew I was planning the tile. The house we rented in Richmond had the same thing and I thought it was peculiar. I was wondering if it was a regional thing as I had never seen that when living in NY for the previous 20 years! I would love a photo of that granite if you find one. Val B, I wish I could recess the fridge further. Doesn't seem to be a possibility and the cabinet manufacturer doesn't make a deeper panel for this purpose. I was dismayed when I saw how much it sticks out, but it's a done deal until I need to replace the fridge, unfortunately. Thanks for the suggestion about the stools. The ones we have came with us and were actually very expensive, a much higher quality than the ones you see in all the box stores now. We have had them from before they became popular. I love them, but may be able to use them elsewhere. Thanks for the suggestion. Would I have to match the perimeter cabinet color if I replaced them?