You couldn't ask for more! Lucky you, living where you can grow the ironweed for both butterflies and birds. Not enough water here in N. California now. Enjoy. Min

Think that's another Oregon Junco.

I partly agree with Patricia. I only use edison bulbs as an accent. they're nice above dining tables since they're like candle light, but you will need supplementary lighting if you want the space to be bright. you have to keep these bulbs really dim so they don't blind you, and the light they do cast is very warm. look at a restaurant or coffee shop that is decorated with edison bulbs. notice how they are dimmed really low, and then look around and see how there are tons of other kinds of lights (typically cans or track). where I don't agree with Pat is that I prefer warm light in a room. 4000k is great during the day, but too cool for night. you might experiment with supplemental light and find a balance. personally, I love 3000k.

Based on the layout, you would never be viewing the islands side by side as shown in the first two photos. It looks like the darker countertop is mainly to differentiate the eating area. I'd think about whether you want it to be light or dark as you sit there, and base the decision on that. Black will show crumbs. I wouldn't go with gray as that would introduce a 4th color in addition to the white, black, and wood scheme you have. Either stay with it as is, or make all the countertops the lighter option.