Granite’s not in the budget - we decided to spend more on layout changes (removing / moving / adjusting walls) instead. The living room laminate flooring will be replaced at some point in the next few years.

I don’t have pictures of the room yet - drywalling is in progress and cabinets are being installed next week

We’re definitely looking for a light colour.

Thanks

there is a color by DunnEdwards called Vapor. it's very pale gray,,almost white. more of a silver.

do you have natural lighting in the kitchen? lots of windows? if not, make sure to use cooler temperature bulbs.

don't know if you're aware of pre fabricated granite. they come in island sizes and 6'-9' countertop sizes. they average $300. you hire a fabricator to cut them to fit for you. the edges area already done. just saw this one the other day at the stone yard. beautiful stone. $300

another one...they come in all colors. I only mentioned this because a lot of people don't know.

The space is reasonably well lit - here’s a couple mid-construction pics, one from kitchen showing the dining / living room and the other from the dining room into the kitchen. The dining room also has a patio door on the wall to the right of the picture.

Does a light gray run the risk of being gray-overload with the cabinets?

it's very light. I've used it on a wall. it's close to white w/silver. And you already have gray overload! one more at this point isn't going to matter. You could always do a dark charcoal too. go the other direction. I would bring in some wood elements to warm up the space though. wood shelving, stools, inner window trim, cutting boards, pantry door,,etc.

or some actual colors

Thanks for your help Beth.

I agree with Beth suggestions, I also have light gray cabinets. I used light gray paint a couple shades lighter than my cabinets and I like it. I am a color person and was surprised that when I tried to add any color to it I didn't like it. I just have some wood tones and that is enough to warm it up. Can you run the floor from the living room through the kitchen? Laminate counters is the only counter top I would own and I have done extensive research on other counters. They are work horses, easy to clean and look good for years and years. As long as you keep hot pots off of them and use a cutting board. I haven't seen any posting problems on laminate counter tops cracking, staining, chipping or having to seal like I have seen on other counter tops.