Do you have natural light coming in? I am not sure how small your kitchen is but if it is dark I too would avoid a dark counter. My former kitchen was 10 by 15 but it opened up to another room with buckets of light coming in from giant windows. Dark worked in that small kitchen. My new place (about to be a reno'd) has a bigger kitchen and I would not go with dark counters as it does not have natural light coming. I need to stick with a medium to light counter.

What about a lighter granite with a traditional edge? Maybe like this one... If your instinct say the space is small and dark go with your instinct.

A few other ideas that look so pretty.

Old Naples, Private Residence · More Info

Pacific Heights Residence - Kitchen · More Info

Maybe this one below would not work with the floors but the one above might.

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Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. · More Info

If it were mine I would stay w light counters but some [pattern or color or something] for the backsplash....why? yes-it's small and the lighter counters in tandem with the white cabinets are the right choice for that reason. However, the very great mass of wall cabinets with the stack at the top will dominate if you don't add a visual contrast to offset the upper row of cabinets I think the backsplash is the place to do it. you have a challenge with the vertical stack all around in a rather small space. Fight the tendency for this to end up "top heavy" and put in something of interest, with a bit of exuberant spirit at the backsplash. But not the counters .

Wise words from a friend ... if your kitchen is dark, don't try to fool yourself with light colours, put really good lighting in and use it.

How about a leathered black granite? HD stocks one and it's lovely - feels great, and won't show every toast crumb and drive you to distraction with constant polishing like the high gloss finishes.