sounds like you have too many wood tones already in the space.

Soapstone may work.

Another vote here for soapstone!

if the space is large /open/without illumination problems...I'd get walnut if it's in your budget. You don't want matchy matchy. put a darker tone hardware on the island cabinets to echo the darker richer top....yes in other words...make a feature out of it. The key is: is the area large enough visually, to handle the elements? I've seen top drawers in a drawer stack changed to wood, to coordinate with a wood top....do you have access to species change[veneer] for something like that? It is a small detail that gives. I guess it depends on style of island....how much "angling" , visually, the sides really give in your plan....people for the most part here have one work side....and one opposite side with seating.

Walnut is so soft for a counter top. I would keep other options under consideration.

Hi herbflavor. The island is approx 9 ft long - drawers on one side, seating on the other. We have not decided on width bc we also have a kitchen table - we love having meals at the table vs eating at the island. I am thinking on waiting until the island is done and then deciding on countertop space - the island footprint and location is being moved and hard to visualize - ww have a very odd shaped island right now. Rather than ordering a countertop now - we want to be sure. In the meantime, we can get some cheap plywood for the top. Thanks for your advice!

Keep in mind that cherry darkens and walnut lightens over time. Actually with cherry the darkening happens fairly quickly so keep that in mind. Sunlight accelerates this.

Also decide if its end grain for chopping use or board to board for table look top.

Do you have photos? I'd love to see your current space (floor, furniture, island) since my interpretation of what you're describing is most likely different from the actual space. I'd hate to steer you in the wrong direction.

There is another harder wood option that you could consider. Wider thicker flat sawn Brazilian Rosewood island top. Janka 2790. Walnut is 1010. Cherry is 995. This would work with your family room without bringing in a third type of wood. You'll want to include consideration of the dining table too. It's part of the area.

Here's a picture (dont mind the mess). There's another wall - wall oven, pantry, freezer. New cabinets - earthy brown perimeter and off white island. Cooktop will be moved to wall so there won't be an island hood. Blue tape on floor is the new island but thinking of reducing overhang so there is more room between island and kitchen table -- we always eat at the table. New lights and undercounter lights. Right now, floor is terracotta tiles (not our taste) - will be replacing w something neutral. Thanks.