Oh, these aren't mine (I wish they were!) They are examples I found to show my husband while trying to convince him my idea is good.

Yes, Walnut and dark grey are great combos. General Finishes has Queenstown Grey and Antique Walnut Gel Stain that is very close, which I used on a Aquarium and Bath Vanity (color matched). I'm not a fan of the black though. I think if you use something very dark grey or blue you get the same effect, but keeping with a more modern look. I've never used Annie Sloan, but it's pretty expensive compared to GF and GF goes on ultra smooth.

Just an idea but you might want to go lighter if you are setting it against white and tan walls. Seems a bit too contrasting.

http://designs.generalfinishes.com/tags/queenstown-gray

http://designs.generalfinishes.com/tags/coastal-blue

Thanks, I hadn't thought of other dark colors.

Yes & show us when done.

Update! I still have to finish the top (waiting for my inlaws to get home from FL so I can get into the woodshop to use the planer!) but here's how it turned out!

Looks great!