Having had a very light floor, I'd agree about the pain it can be, so I'd still lean toward more gray and think that pattern is very interesting if the width of your room is enough. Centering the pattern would mean cutting both side tiles, and Les' suggestion to draw out the pattern will help you see if you'd completely loose the effect you're going for. Since the light tiles have striations in them, perhaps IRL they'll look less white than on my monitor. IMHO, not sure I'd want a white counter either...pain to keep clean unless it's a white style tile--rather than laminate of some type, but that's been my experience. We have a somewhat white marble-looking tile in a powder room with gray grout and that's easy to keep clean. But you know your needs better, and it could certainly be pretty. It all sounds like a lovely combination to me--very fresh, even with the gray, so please let us see your final results!

What a beautiful kitchen, mairin. The color and style of your cabinetry coupled with the granite is just lovely. Sigh. I know I am v. late to this dance, but have you considered glass knobs? As I first looked at your pictures, and then I just scrolled back up to look again, I'm really "feeling" glass knobs. I think they'll give you the sparkle of the pewter without looking too polka dot-y, if that makes sense. (in my mind's eye, the pewter will pop against the dark cabinets) My kitchen is the negative of yours (white cabinets). We have RH's glass knobs on our doors (not on the drawers) and they are visible without saying "HERE I AM! LOOK AT ME!" There is something subtle, elegant and easy about them (they're easy on the hands, and they are a breeze to clean [two toddlers -- trust me, I know]). Plus they're pretty, and they don't detract from the cabinet door style -- I think they actually add. You wrote that the pendants are from Pottery Barn -- I haven't visited their website to see the size / price of those pendants, so this may be of no help. However, an eBay seller (5starfurnishings) from whom I've purchased lighting has some v. similar pendants, maybe a similar size but lower price? As I wrote, I know nothing of the Pottery Barn pendants, but I always like saving money! I know I'm late late late, as I wrote, but I still wanted to pipe in with what I'm seeing when I look at those scrumptious pictures!

I would vote for white trim around the windows too. I do believe that a strong yellow would clash with your floor color. Perhaps an olive green (the same tone as in your dishes in the corner cupboard?) As for a color for the corner cupboard -- I would wait to see it in place before deciding! BUT consider switching the knobs to a metal tone that matches your lighting choices. Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Thanks guys, I actually really like the warmer tones as much (or more) as I liked the blues/grays. I think I started down a road and ran with it without thinking about the bigger picture. As far as pulls, I was thinking maybe just cup pulls, although I do like the ones that badgergirl posted too. We are straddling that budget so we'll have to see what is available with no charge. The bars were an upcharge so it was nice to make a choice that was less expensive for a change. I am hoping that the quarter sawn oak isn't too much of an upcharge, I went to look at just factory finish cabinets at Lowes today and do like the look of the grain. It is warm, but quiet enough. Sent my request to the cabinet guy so fingers crossed that all will come in on budget. Another question is do I paint the island a lighter color to decrease the darkness in the middle of the room or just keep consistent throughout. I am leaning toward the latter actually. Badgergal, I stole the lights from you! I loved it so much in your pics. And I saw the price, so it will be a splurge for me as well. They will be likely be a 2013 item, with a cheapo $20/per pendent fill in until my savings account replenishes. But I can live with that knowing what is in the future. As far as lighting, we have been pricing/thinking of this. Due to the dark color of the cabinets, this was a big concern of mine, lighting is everything! We currently have some recessed (6 of them) and an overhead over the sink. We are pricing the pendants over the island and lights in the glass front upper cabinets (total of 6). We cut the under cabinet lights in the interest of budget and in talking to people who said that they rarely use them. Maybe I should reconsider? How hard is that to add in after the fact if we decide that we need them later? We do have a window over the sink and then the bump out of the eat in area is virtually surrounded on three sides pretty much floor to ceiling with windows/doors, so it does get some natural light. Anyway, updated pic and I think it looks pretty good (although I am now thinking that the curve/bow pulls may be a better option seeing it in place - maybe less surface so less shine). Walls will need to be decided on, but that is an easy fix. Cookies will be forthcoming when I have a new oven that doesn't take the temp setting as a mere suggestion!