I personally like mixing materials. Our counters are a dark soapstone-look laminate, the cabinets are BM White Dove, but the peninsula top and prep corner are natural maple. No one has thrown their hands up in horror (at least not in front of us), and we are beyond thrilled with the outcome. It depends upon your look; some kitchens have a sleek, homogeneous look, others are more casual and eclectic.

Generally the suggestion is to vary the island cabinets or counters, but not both. Not to say it can't look good mixing both up, but it's more risky of looking disjointed particularly in smaller spaces. Instead of painting the island a light grey, have you considered staining it?

This is my kitchen, I think the stain really gives a nice contrast, interest and warmth to the space. It is also more durable than paint (and cheaper). I used a very light grey paint, would have worked with white too though.

As others have said, I think you can successfully mix countertop materials, if done carefully. I agree with the concept of only having different counters if your island matches, though. And my particular favorite is black perimeter with a white island for the tops.

I just want to point out that when we think about our kitchens on paper, we see them quite bare and with long expanses of beautiful stone. In reality we are not just seeing acres of stone. No matter how tidy and minimal you are, there will be plenty of stuff out on the counters to break up the overwhelming whiteness you see on paper, so to speak.

Thanks for the suggestions and advice. That 2nd pick Beth09 posted is pretty much what we are going after. I feel like keeping the countertops the same is the safe choice, but adding a 2nd color/material may be more interesting. Tough decision ...m

Here's something similar to what you are proposing



To me it looks fine, but I'd prefer it with the counters the same.

I have White Shaker cabinets w/ white quartz countertops. My island is Sage. I have not gotten an island top yet. We are leaning towards wood (Black sinker cypress). It is a local reclaimed wood.

I had to sacrifice a homeowner's small island to get the color match material needed to replace her sink. When I first broached the idea she said "No way!", but when she realized a contrasting replacement island was the price for a new sink, she folded and was delighted with her decision.