A piano seems like a terrible island, not least because you need to protect the keys from a build-up of grease et al.

but if you use it, I guess I'd go for a lighter tone from that wood for wood cabinets, maybe with white quartz counters.

Is it counter height for comfortable working? Certainly doesn't go with a modern home. How about a light cherry cabinet?

Hi Erinlea! You mentioned your home is modern (I see that in the exterior elevation) and you're implementing a beautiful, traditional, piano as your island (fabulous idea!), consider using color for your cabinetry. I agree that white would not be a good choice. A lighter wood may get lost and a darker wood may detract from the island. Home trends are moving toward colors for kitchens as we have enjoyed the dark and white cabinetry for many years now.

Consider a color you love as your cabinetry color...maybe a light blue or green? It would make your island pop, look fantastic with concrete flooring, keep within the modern look of your home, and work with many counter top options including black.

This is a tough one- I think the piano hinders your modern lines...

Keep me posted Erinlea! I would love to hear what you decide on and see progress photos:)

I'm with Suzy on color. You can all see a piano island at the Victoria Elizabeth Barnes blog - they are unique and can work with a very modern backdrop. http://victoriaelizabethbarnes.com/repurposed-antique-piano-kitchen-island/

I suggest a deeper blue green tone for your perimeter cabinets. Something with tonal depth so the wood is not a high contrast piece - I'm thinking of the historic color from bm called templeton gray (not gray at all) - here it is on a wall with a sort of wood toned art element against it . . .

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You want a color that signals modern due to the architecture of your home. However, it needs to work well with the unique wood island - blue green is ideal - it does both. Turquoise and teal were made for browns / wood elements .. and are natural / earthy enough to always be in style - can work with many different options. This particular shade is really terrific.

You can always do black or charcoal . . they will work and be modern.

This may sound crazy but I could really see a subtle light grayish lavender color with the color of your wood piano. Our island is a similar color...it is a sienna stain on cherry, and our matte amethyst le creuset pot looks stunning with it. Maybe something like BM Violet Pearl.

Just an update in case anyone is interested.... :) This is what we finally did.

exterior of house