I am okay with the black counter but I don't usually let the architect decide my decor. As for bathrooms I love all white bathrooms where I can add color if I want or not. I find in Europe the use of glass in bathrooms for shower walls is very nice and simple andadds a little of the watery blue/green . I am sorry but did not see previous posts. I found them and I actually like what they have done there. Spotted a Saarinen table one of my faves. I love white spaces just remember you will need texture to make it interesting. And some little pops of color

All white kitchens can look elegant and beautiful. The architect should focus on functionality and floor plans-- not design. Get what you want, you're the one who will be living there.

http://houzz.com/photos/57667

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Thanks so much. I love all white kitchens. But since there is so much white everywhere, they thought the black provided contrast and is elegant. Everyone is doing all white kitchens, they felt this was more 'design' oriented as well (as laura said perhaps too much of a focus? I appreciate having architects with a design aesthetic especially considering the costs--functionality comes first, of course). At first I was thinking carrara marble counter tops (I will get a Saarinen table in cararra for the dining space) but loved Corian for its seamless look given the space is quite small (will use in bathrooms perhaps). I've tried for months to decide but I like so many things it's been a hell, esp for the bathrooms. I always knew the kitchen would be white. Still must decide whether to put the fridge inside the cabinetry, which was my first choice, or stand alone (I am not thrilled about it jetting out a few centimeters but I am starting to think a separate element might break up the large closet, will will extend down the hall and provide storage on either side--with one side facing the dining area). These are the bath images https://www.houzz.com/discussions/looking-for-feedback-on-these-two-bathroom-ideas-dsvw-vd~938331

also, since the floors are not very dark they won't provide much contrast (tobacco natural color) so maybe the black would. It will have to grow on me because I love the clean look of all white counters.

what about pulling color or ideas from your bath like the glass or the natural light wood you have there? Based on your bath style and your all white taste I think you will hate the black in no time. throw a rug on the floor if there is too much white then you can throw the rug away when you are sick of it and get a new one in a different color...

Gretchen, i am petrified of the black but the rendering ideas with white don't look as good. Glass and/or wood may be a nice alternative, thanks! Now we are thinking of getting rid of a wall between kitchen and dining, which may make white a better choice. About the bathrooms, I like the relaxing colors but they seem a bit like a restaurant (the second bath now looks like an operating room to me--ew!). I've asked to see some alternative color ideas -- difficult with the natural wood tones so that may also change... Thanks for your input. I will keep you posted!

I am a cook and I lived with black counters for 18 months and hated them, never, ever looked clean, showed every speck and smear. I opted for white quartz counters, white cabinets above and clear light wood below, love it!

I love quartz and if you want could probably find it with some of the light wood color in there. You have to really love black...There are so many options these days from reclaimed glass chips in a mosaic to sheets of glass to Butcher block in a natural color dare I even point you to teak...I actually like white with a sparkle in it, sort of a white on white effect. Just more thoughts...for your bathroom...do you have a particular style you are going for that we are taking you away from?

I'm actually going to soften mine with terracotta flooring a bronze farmhouse sink and a quartz counter w terracotta flecks of color. Strategically placed color...

I think that it depends on what you think you will like to see everyday while you are working in the kitchen. For example, I used to have a stainless steel sink but I just hated looking at that cold, grey color and had to gift myself with a white composite sink. I think I might feel the same way about looking at the black while doing food prep and everything. Yes, it looks sleek and modern from a design perspective but something you like better can also achieve that.

I just finished redoing both of my upstairs bathrooms. I used white quartz with glitter flecks in one with white vessel sinks and I love it! It looks so fresh and clean and elegant. Not at all sterile! I used marble looking quartz in my master bath on top of a black gloss vanity cabinet with clear glass vessel sinks. Really gorgeous!

Does anyone around the world know if their IKEA does SOLAR kitchen doors? UK discontinued them and I want more. Thanks for your interest

Hi Lin what did you have for a sink with your white counter in the kitchen?