IMO a nice polished granite with some warmer colors would be my choice since you don’t like cool colors from your description don’t get sucked into the gray and white counter top .All the kitchens you show are WHITE so not sure what you are trying to achieve. IMO add some color with accessories and stop trying to go with the “in” stuff. These are a couple of granites that could work

Choose counters then backsplash, then wall color.

You can have a beautiful warm space with the white finishes you love. Can you show us the samples of what you picked out already.
Paint color should be later but I would consider a blue for the warmth and style your after

Go to some stone yards and look at everything that isn’t solid white. All the inspiration photos are, but you say you don’t want that. You do not need to choose a backsplash now. Wait till the countertop is installed. LAST is the paint color. Right now you need to look on Houzz for white cabinets/colored countertop options. Patricia gave you two good ideas to start. There are many countertops that have white with caramel in it to bring the wall color you might want.

@RedRyder I started planning this project over a year ago and got i got interrupted by Covid. I'm still not comfortable going out into a lot of places to browse for materials as not everyone consistently wears masks. I just looked at a number of photos similar to what you and @Patricia Colwell Consulting suggested and I realize I definitely don't want a stark contrast in counters, with a darker counter with obvious dark colors. Most of my samples have some movement and particles of color. Is there a trick to seeing what the undertones are in samples, like there is with paint? Asking this question has been clarifying for me, in terms of knowing I want something very subtle. Thanks!

@Valinta Since the space will be opened up to areas that have an existing paint, I am somewhat constrained in the wall color. I can tweak it to lighten it. I think that has added to my difficulty in deciding. But I am definitely just focusing on the counters now. Thanks.

@Sonja Suitor I am thinking that your answer probably reflects where I am leaning.! This project planning started about 1 1/2 years ago, ramped up right before Covid, came to a complete halt, and is just now starting up again. I was pretty sure I knew what I wanted a year ago, and during this "time off" have developed uncertainty. But after looking at the counters in most of the photos I posted below, I see that they all are white. Thanks.

@User I had consulted with a planner who worked by the hour 1 1/2 years ago. We primarily talked about design, and cabinets, and she was very helpful. Unfortunately, she is no longer in business, and I am unable to afford to hire someone else. I agree that in general a designer is a smart option. I have a pretty good idea of what I like, but started second guessing myself. I thought it would be interesting to put my dilemma out here to see what others who haven't been involved with my decision making thought. Their answers have varied widely.

There is no way I’d spend thousands of dollars on countertops that Id never seen in person.

If you aren’t comfortable going out in public than you shouldn’t have contractors coming in for a remodel.

@suedonim75 I had to purchase the cabinets by the end of the year or lose a 50% off discount. That discount enabled me to purchase quartz counters and a better wood floor. As I alluded to, the timing is not good, and I feel unprepared. I have been far more hands on with every other project I've done. My son-in-law is my contractor so I feel pretty good having him do the work. I have looked at lots of images online, and quite a few samples. I have several I like, but am struggling to see the undertones and movement in the samples. The online images on houzz and other sites have helped me eliminate many. But my understanding is that many people order counters without seeing the actual slab. Is that incorrect?

After reading these forums for so long, I would NEVER purchase counters without seeing them. That being said, I might buy IKEA wood countertops, or even laminate countertops in a solid color (like white) to save money. Then in a couple years, when the fears of covid are gone, and perhaps your budget has improved, you can shop for the counters of your dreams. Here are some photos of Ikea wood counters, so beautiful. Dang photos won't attach. I don't why that happens sometimes.

Anyway, you may be surprised how nice they look. You can google it.

It’s hard to suggest certain stones because they have different names in different places. I understand not wanting a dark contrasting countertop since it doesn’t remotely look like your inspiration photos. Stone varies from piece to piece, so maybe you should consider Mrs. S’s idea of a really inexpensive surface. OR, have your son in law put plywood down for now and wait till you’re comfortable going shopping in person. We’ve all had temporary plywood counters while waiting for the stone ones, so why not just live with them? I would find it hard to buy something inexpensive “for now” and then rip it out later. Kitchen remodels are usually a “once only” event in your house. Wait for a time when you can freely shop for your “star” countertop.

RedRyder has a great suggestion. And the paint color is usually the last thing. Wait until you feel comfortable going out to look for counter tops. Seeing them in person gives you the feel of what they are really like without the distortion of the computer screen.

The truth is all of your options could work well. I would focus on the counter first and really it boils down to which look is your favorite. You could choose a middle ground, mild veining. There are quartz options with taupe veining to keep you out of the cool zone.

@Color Zen I have samples I like of Viatera Cirrus and Minuet, as well as MSI Carrara Iris. Are you familiar with these? The Cirrus looks as though it could match the white cupboards, and also coordinate with the warmer wood floors and nearby light tan/griege walls. It seems to have a different type of pattern/veining than Minuet. I just ordered 6 x12 inch samples of them. I also wondered if you were familiar with Caesarstone Misty Carrera or Blanco Drift, which appear on the computer images to be neutral tan colors? What other quartz samples do you like that have the taupe veining? I agree completely that I need more information, and larger samples. I really appreciate your input.

@RedRyder, @Mrs. S, and @Kathi Steele Thanks for your comments. You are right that this is a once in a lifetime remodel, and I shouldn't force the process and have regrets. I have been looking on and off over the past 1 1/2 years but I simply had backed off during the recent months of Covid. And then to find out that the cupboards had to be ordered by the end of December, and the project had to be started due to the contractor's schedule, was a bit disconcerting. But thanks to some good ideas and support being given here on Houzz, I am feeling a lot better about things. I really don't have the money, or the inclination to do a temporary counter and replace it later, but if I were 20 years younger, I'd sure consider it! The plywood option is one I hadn't considered, and if I'm unable to get out more prior to the cupboard installation being finished, I may do just that. It's reassuring to know others have done that! Since I'll have 3 weeks before the cupboards are completed, and our area has just moved from Red Level to Orange, I think getting out to look at some slabs may be a more realistic option soon.

Go with a countertop you LOVE. Paint and backsplash are cheaper and easier to change out in a few years if you don’t still love what you picked out. Look at all of your inspo pics with same or similar cabinet color to yours and see what the backsplash/paint is and i bet you’ll find a theme to guide you in choosing those too. You can always do the same paint you have elsewhere at 50% mix so it’s lighter but you know it will coordinate. Good luck!

@adalisa frazzini Great point about doing the 50% mix! In looking at my current inspiration photos I see definite themes. My color choices in white/off white cabinets were limited, and I really didn't like the off white optionns---one had very yellow undertones, and the other was a pinkish/gray undertone. So I went with Pure White, which isn't overly stark, and seems quite neutral.

However, many of my previous inspiration photos had more warmth, with warmer whites and a cozier, more cottage feel than some of my current inspiration images.That's making me a bit nervous. I think the white cabinets just pulled me in that direction. I like the cabinets a lot, however, and think they will be great in the area, which gets mostly east light, and from noon on doesn't get much natural light at all. I just want to be sure I don't go too cold/gray in my white counter and my backsplash,, so I have more options to warm it up.

I had an interesting experience yesterday when a friend came over to look at samples with me. She pretty quickly saw the gray, tan, and yellow undertones in the samples that I had been struggling with. I realized that at my last eye appointment my doctor said I was developing cataracts (very slight) in both eyes. I am wondering now if that also is contributing to my confusion, addition to feeling rushed, and wanting to have a warm white area that isn't overly cold or formal--kind of trying to blend some different styles. Lots of things to think about!

@debru4 My sister can immediate detect the undertones of whites. I cannot. My designer is a total Color Savant. Some of us weren’t born with this skill. I suggest you see your eye doctor but not because you can’t detect white undertones.

Before my MIL had cataract surgery, she was showing me paint chips and referring to them as gray. I kept saying, “that’s green, that’s beige“ ect. Nothing that she was choosing was truly gray.

@RedRyder and @suedonim75 I just had that eye appointment last month so I doubt it's worsened yet...she said it likely would be many years until I required surgery. But I used to be really good at discerning undertones, so I guess it's good to be aware my "color judgement" may not be that great right now! 😉