Coffeeaddict - I second marcydc's suggestion to talk to someone who installs would that comes highly recommended. We had the wall removed between our kitchen and dining room and had natural maple wood floors installed in the kitchen to match the rest of the 100 year old floor and several people have given unsolicited comments that they can't see where the old floors end and the new floors begin. Keep in mind that if you look closely (i.e. as the owner) there are differences. Some of the old boards have a slight gaps between them where the new boards are snug and seamless. The old boards are long, each board extending the length of the room, the old are normal random pieces from 2 - 6 feet. We did have the entire 1st floor refinished at once - but I don't even thing that is necessary (but makes it easier.) We had to patch and even weaved in new boards and it looks great. I would also second the idea of some wood counter - maybe the island (if you have one) peninsula, or the edge of a counter as butcher block. I also love walnut counters or cherry counters. You can even search in the forum for the discussions of those who like having wood around the sink. Wall paint can help as well. Even if you have cooler colors you can be surprised with a shade of yellow that is a little green or a little whatever that works with your pallet. Or a warm beige/gray. We have a color called pismo dunes (it is a BM AC color) that is sometimes brown, slightly gray but warm and elegant and looks great with the white trim in our room.

i actually think the trend of white cabs/stained island will end up being dated sooner than later....that said I'm still considering it for the practicality of the island being the busiest part of the kitchen with seating on one side and sink/dw/trash on the working side. I think it will help keeping the island looking better longer than if I had white all over. Still prefer the look of white/white overall.

There are so many grays and with different undertones that it is possible there is one that would look good with your counters etc. I think a warm gray may work - warm grays often read green / gray and actually they are the only grays I like - probably because i tend towards warmer colors. A cool gray not only might not work, it would leave your present warm kitchen feeling a little cold. This one is more green, but if I was painting cabinets that were not so great - buying time before i could do a total remodel, I would try a color - be a little more daring then if i was spending $$$ on new cabinets. Computer monitors don't show true colors, so none of us are seeing exactly what you are seeing, though some pros may be familiar with your counters and know what works with them. Painting large pieces of foam board, which someone recommended I think, is a good way for you to evaluate a color in your actual kitchen. Do addess the lighting first - I don't see any windows at the working end of the kitchen making it more dependent even during the day on the right light bulbs. Thanks for the "thanks" for the idea book - I tried to reply last night to your comment but for some reason it wouldn't work:)

Thank you again. I am thinking more darker or intense color which would be more cooler. I would definitely get couple of samples to see how they will look with my counter. I think I m actually going to go with the cream/white dove cabinets and charcoal grey island with white/Creme backsplash. In the end if we decide that we have a budget to do something with the floors, which tone of wood flooring or wood like tiles will go with this color choice ??? I personally like dark grey oak floors but right next to kitchen is living and foyer with light bamboo floors!!!!