Michelle, neither stains go with your counter choice, either pick a counter with warmer tones or paint the cabinets or stain them in a cooler tone.

paulinteriors, thanks for the input. I think warm woods go well with cool white countertops - gives it a more modern feel.

I prefer A which is more of a honey because I prefer that color to a darker cabinet.

However dark cabinets are striking against light cabinets.

Why don’t you flip through a lot of pictures of kitchens quickly and see which ones you save and then analyze what you like. I have been using this type of visual stream of consciousness and it helps me figure out what the consistent stuff that I am instinctually responding to.

Essentially do you like honey with light or dark with light in this instance. Just ignore other variables like style

I used mahogany with my carrara marble counters ... but I was not aiming for a "modern look". My inspiration was more kind of old french bistro :) and I wanted contrast with the oak floor.

If you have to use one of the two, I would choose 'B' which is a nice contrast to the white countertop. If there was an option for 'other' my first choice would be White cabinets with your countertops which is not on your list.

Paul interiors, wood is a neutral. It certainly goes with this countertop.

OP, I think A is a wonderful choice!

Also, it’s so refreshing to see someone NOT doing white on white on white on boring! The all white kitchens are on the way out and woods coming back. Finding some inspiration photos...

Here there are 2 inspiration pictures:

Lovely!

Briana, you photos really show without a doubt that 'marble like quartz', or 'natural marble' can work beautifully with nearly any color of stained natural wood. -- As you said "Lovely".

I noticed almost all of your photos also feature white subway backsplash tile, which goes beautifully with the marble quartz/natural stained wood combo.

I don't see that combo as 'modern'. It's more classic utilitarian kitchen in a separate room look.

Dan1888, nobody said it was modern. Also, modern is not always the correct design style for every house. For many, having a kitchen that is timeless and classic while still being on trend are more important. Whether you like it or not, gray is going out and wood tone cabinets are coming back, as they always will. Natural tones stand the test of time and stained cabs stand up to wear and tear better.

Unbind those panties!

I understand why it's hard to choose..they both work very well))

I agree..one should go with one's instincts in such cases. Look at them, and then look at them some more.

I prefer the lighter stain: A.

What floor type & color will be used? I suggest posting floor samples to help choose.

B, i prefer a browner tone vs. and orange tone.

I like B

Briana Bosch "Modern" feel is the opinion of Michele the OP. "gives it a more modern feel." is her last post.

This is her kitchen. So it's her opinion that counts in this thread. If she is going for 'modern' , imo this combo will not produce it.

So please read the posts. Then comment. I do agree with you that 'modern' is not the correct choice for every space. Imo everyone would agree with that statement.

what has been left out is the details of the design , space, and setting. If the door style resembles the relief shown in the small section she shows, or is that actual piece, I picked A because of the softer look. The counter conjures a muted, pleasing feel, along with the relief on the door sample shown.... so I strayed from the darker choice to the lighter, pleasing, more energizing color. It is prettier and I can picture a soft white subway backsplash, traditional hardware, with the lighter caramel wood and feel good about proceeding to the final planning. That is my rationale for choice A. Sometimes, the darker stain family, with the white somber counters have a deadening effect. It's just a personal take...how one likes the space to look and feel.Example: all white kitchens are being replaced: color, wood tones are showing up. One should do as they like certainly.

I like B. it is a rich, classic look. I tend to like greater contrast. The hardware and faucets that you choose can make it feel more transitional/modern.

I like both wood tones. I think cool and warm provide a gorgeous contrast! I have always loved wood with lighter counters!

I think knowing the layout and other specifics in your kitchen such as flooring with help the decision immensely!

You must be very excited!

I like the brown tones of B. I think it will stand the test of time better than the orange tone of A and it gives you more choice of other materials to pair with it.

I love the combination of medium stained wood and white marble-ish counters. Gorgeous! The B picture is a little shadowed for me so it's hard for me to tell which stain I like best. I tend to go for more contrast and more brown less yellow, so I would lean towards B. But I don't think you can go wrong with either.

I love B.

Thank you so much everybody! We settled for A. I can't wait for everything to come together in a few months!

Would love to see photos when it's complete!