We remodeled our house last year and I feel the same way about dark floors. We went with lighter floors throughout and in the kitchen we used a combination of stained and painted cabinets. I used black absolute granite for the perimeter countertop and kashmire white for the island. We used painted cabinets for the upper and stained on the lower and island. I love the kitchen and wouldn't change anything. The attached picture doesn't capture very much of the kitchen, but perhaps you will get the idea.

Good afternoon Hightide,

Thanks so much for taking the time to show and tell. Your kitchen came out lovely. I've been looking at a number of the 'professional' sites and really see everything from soup to nuts. I guess I'm just tired of the all-inclusive wood look. I really like what you did with the cabinets. It is reassuring that we can mix and match very successfully.

Thanks again! To be continued ...

SK

I love the mix and match too! Even if you wanted to do painted on the bottom and all wood stain on top...or, if you are thinking of an island...paint the island and do the other cabinetry in stain. What sort of color palette do you lean towards?

Hi mpoulsom,

I'm an earth tone kinda girl. My current place is done in chocolate browns, beige, and sage walls with orange and spring green accents items (art, pillows, etc). My current kitchen has natural cherry cabinets with uba tuba granite, beige back splash and floor tiles with various dark accent tiles to tie in with the uba tuba, and brushed stainless appliances.

Since this will be a new place the sky's the limit. Well, at least as much as my budget will allow. ;) I don't see myself going too crazy, but definitely want contrast between the floors and cabinets. I love the idea of the island being different. Not going with dark granite this time either. Can't wait to go to the design center to see what my choices are. :)

Thanks for your input! Appreciate it.

SK