For what it's worth, If you were my client, I would urge you to paint the island and cabinets the color of the back splash. By their very nature kitchens are choppy spaces and need to be "unified" not contrasted.While black and white are not good food colors you have gone down that road, so at least eliminate the contrast. I would accessorize with terracotta( which is a great food color) and greens to help warm it up a little. I would also paint the bar stools white. Hope thisw helped.

Thank you, I appreciate the suggestion.

I think painting the island black might work quite well in your kitchen. With the light tile floors, light counter and splash, I would not paint the cabinets a light color.

I would add black hardware to cabinets and a distressed black finish to your island-

Remember black gets very dirty, very quickly. I can see how black or a bone like color would look nice - I like the color of the backspash idea better than the black - the black sorta disappears and the light color would bring it all together. If you have young kids or messy pets - you may want to go the lighter route.

The black would be stunning. I painted some cabinetry in my mothers kitchen years ago, the black doesn't get dirtier than anything else would plus the painted finish is holding up fine. Love oldbobbis suggestion pic. Gorgeous, it will add dimension to your kitchen. People will think you installed a new kitchen, it will be that much of a change

You have a pretty neutral background..Might I suggest you add some color to liven it up through accessories and furniture before painting island and see how you like it? Also, what about putting a light fixture above the island? Here are some color suggestions...

Yes, you should definitely paint the island if you want to make a statement in your space! There are som any vibrant colors out now days that can take a otherwise plain space, and make it pop! What are the other colors throughout your house? What do you think of a farmhouse green like this?

Did you tackle this project yet? i love to see before and afters.

I decided not to paint anything...my husband didn't like the idea. So I've added a few pops of color with my decor. Nothing too exciting to share though.

Husbands never like to paint wood, for whatever reason, even though they love the finished product. Take a vacation, and have your painter do it while you're gone. Your hubs will love it, after the initial shock. ;)

I agree with Margaret Bannerman's comment! Going through the same thing with my husband...but I'm painting the island anyway!!