I have had wood island countertops in 2 kitchens now and love them. I would only use John Boos Hard Rock Maple with the oiled finish. It is super easy upkeep, and allows you to cut right on the countertop. The oiled finish is just an easy rub in/ rub off application. When the counter is new you need to do this about once a week for about a month, then after that about quarterly. It is so nice to have a fully useful counter. Just yesterday I fixed 35 pounds of pulled pork and did all the "pulling" and chopping right on the counter. So nice. current house: previous house:

Gray is a neutral, it will go with most any color you like, with the exception of tans or beige.

Everyone wants to pick paint first...well, not everyone, but too many. Paint should be the last thing picked because there are hundreds of color variations and I have even had paint custom mixed. Furniture has far fewer choices of colors. Find furniture you love and want to live with because it is beautiful, comfortable, in your budget, and fits your space. Paint is the least expensive part of this puzzle. After you find the furniture, drapes, lamps, etc for your room, then pick a paint color that works with your decor and the particular light in your space. For example, I moved from Florida to the Midwest—my new colors are influenced and dictated by the different quality of the sunlight and the grey winter sky. What works in your room might not work on the opposite side of the house. A gallon or two of paint and one weekend will make all the difference with the bonus of acquiring a new skill.

What color wood floors would match with cherry colored beams?