I prefer those that are more solid or grainy than those with large veining/movement because of the busy grain of the oak. Would eliminate #3 and #4, even though I like a light counter choice. You should probably try to decide whether you'll paint or not, as that will affect your choice (or, conversely, you choice of stone could constrain your paint choices later)...

I think # 3 might be the best choice. I think it will look good with your cabinets. It`s nice and light and does not have to busy a pattern so it should be easy to find a color to go with it when you decide to paint your cabinets.

We just painted, using Sherwin Williams Magnetic Gray. We were thinking we would go with a light counter, but once we saw the darker color, #1, we wondered if that would be a better choice because the "copper" streaks (it is called Copper Mist) bring in the same color as the cabinets, and the grayish color blends with the paint color. We just aren't sure, and it's such a big investment, we want to get it right! The picture of our kitchen shows the Magnetic Gray soffit. And then, once we decide counter, we'll need to decide backsplash...it never ends! ;)

I like #2. I think with all the grain in your cabinets, a light countertop with the least amount of variation is preferable. #2 has some warmth that blends well with the cabinet color. I think you could also use a solid white.

Beth -- I love the herringbone backsplash, but was wondering if it would be too busy since our cabinets have so much grain? Where did you find that backsplash?

I have oak cabinets and like #2. #3 may be too cool toned for warm wood - but I am looking at a computer monitor and computer monitors distort color so keep that in mind. I think the black in #4 may be too busy. #1 is fine if you want to go dark - I wanted to go light.

Your instincts to keep the backsplash simple are correct. With movement in the cabinets due to the grain and movement in the countertops, you will want a place for the eye to rest.

You have done a good job picking out samples that mostly read "warm" which is important with wood. Do note that cool grays work with warm wood only in small doses. Otherwise the combination is drab - neither brings out the best in the other - which is why gray is mostly paired with white. Sometimes gray makes the cabinets look more yellow.

There is some gray in my countertop, but combined with creams and even some beige keeps the overall look warm. Gray is popular right now and like all trends will come and go, so do not overdo it or try to make it work when a cream or beige might be better. Blues and greens with gray undertones do look good with warm wood.

Here is my kitchen:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~58830325

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~57088087

Up close my countertop has more movement then when you step back:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~58831076

Here is a kitchen that went with darker counters. The kitchen is in the comments section of this discussion:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/affordable-update-dsvw-vd~4347799?n=13

Both of these kitchens feel refreshed in part because of the sinks and stove hoods. You might want to consider a hood like the second kitchen sometime and find a different spot for the microwave. You will also like how much better a vent without a microwave works:) I love my hood, but I have a vintage /French Country kitchen and that may not be your style, The second hood is more modern.

The second backsplash has some soft movement, but the countertop is also low on movement so it works.

The second kitchen reworked the sink base for a farmhouse sink. I used the Kohler Whitehaven "short apron" style cast iron farmhouse sink which can be installed on a standard sink base, so great for remodels. It is just as deep on the inside, but the outside apron is shorter.

Painting oak has plusses and minuses. It is not a paint grade wood as the texture of the grain shows through. This does not bother many, but is does show that they are oak cabinets that have been painted and the finish will not be as durable as a factory finish. I find it is done to get a few more years out of cabinets before replacing or by people who are pining for a white kitchen and cannot afford a new one and / or watch too much HGTV.

i like 2.

Thanks for the responses! At this point, it looks like I've narrowed it down to #1 and #2. We have a separate section of cabinets/countertop in our kitchen by our pantry. What do you think of the idea of putting one of the colors of quartz on the u-shape of our kitchen, and the other one on the separate section of counter?

unless one of them is a remnant, it may cost you a lot of money.

i approve of the mismatch look; i went with quartz for my perimeters and a separate area, and a large remnant of honed absolute black for my island.

but its worth asking at your fabricator, it can be fun to have a different look in a separate area.

Dave, that herringbone is "Calacatta herringbone, appears honed, in a 1X3 or a 1X2, layout. they have them in larger tiles as well. They sell them on this site, but you can actually purchase them from many manufacturers. Calacatta is a bit more pricy then it's Carrara counterpart, but they are still affordable. Any tile place should be able to order them for you

This is EXACTLY like my kitchen. I will choose #2 and #3. I have an old farm house built in 1910 and I think that those styles match the era. Also, there is too much pattern and texture in all the wood, so keep it simple. PLEASE DON'T PAINT THE CABINETS!! They are so nice, and you can never go back. Painted cabinets never look good, unless you can afford to ship them out for a professional job.

Hi! I have this same issue with orange oak cabinets , but wanting to modernize the kitchen. I coincidentally ended up with very similar samples to your samples to choose from.. What are the names of these quartz Samples? What did you choose?