If you feel black is too harsh, how about grey. Dark colors do show dirt, and scuffs.

All dark heavily saturated colors show every scuff and suck the light out of a room. Can we see the island or the space...none of your choices above say "add dark" IMHO.

Contrasting color for cabinets is a trend in kitchens that I feel will fade. For long term, I think this is acceptable in a very large kitchen. But, not in a medium or smaller one.

Could I please see a photo of your kitchen? Thanks.

should look great

I would need to see the space and you will need to make sure your lighting is really good so pots and the pendants need LED bulbs in 4000K and I would probably choose a black with just a touch of brown in it like Racoon Fur BM . I am painting my MCM ranch with that to go with the 50s stucco with the glass bits in it , there are some almost black bits . I think a stark black is too much I also really do not like black pulls on whaite cabinets bit you could do some that are black and brass.

I edited my post to show my proposed new kitchen and the existing. I appreciate all of your suggestions!

I would try Sherwin Williams Peppercorn. It's a soft black that borders on a deep charcoal.

And if you want a darker option, Iron Ore:

I would go with a white island. Others will disagree.

L Grey this is my exact dilemma. But I will be putting black (kinda a soapstone) look on the perimeter counters. I am worried have a large black island will be too much. But honestly love the 2 tone kitchen with a black island just afraid to commit.