Well, I do think there is a problem with that pic you linked, jama. The inspiration island and your virtual feel like furniture to me, quite fine. While I always think of function first, in this case, the BB gives me a sense of disconnect. I also wonder about the BB getting used and more rustic looking over time, thus widening the gap in formality. Personally, I don't agree with the decorator about the piece looking odd without wood. I am trying to see his/her point but I just can't. Did this person give you a reason why? If the pronouncement cannot be backed up with some kind of explanation, I tend to move on. You mentioned in the first post that you can't do soap stone because the room is too small. I would not rule that out just yet. Another way to look at the "too-small" issue is to think in terms of avoiding busy-ness. I would consider avoiding the highly speckled granites or things with lots of movement. Unless you love the look, that mid-tone speckled granite on BP's first and last big pics is what I am talking about. (Thanks BP for providing all the illustrations!) If you go for a more serene look, you may be able to pull off a darker color. Using one material for both perimeter and island, you'll have fewer changes and that may also be better in a small space. I have seen very small kitchens done in dark colors that are just smashing. Think jewelbox. I happen to love the dark island with the dark glossy top in one of the pics above. Then, you could do marble on the backsplash. (I would like to see you have your honed marble!) In fact, I would encourage you to go fall in love with some marble backsplash tile and then revisit the countertop decision.

Thanks so much. I think it will work. I am suffering from "kitchen overload (the evil twin of TKO) and I am beginning to forget what I've seen where and over-thinking/doubting some of my decisions. mom2reese and lululemom -- Thank you for your enthusiasm! The last thing I want to happen is to get the countertop installed and think - yikes - I don't like how this looks! nomorebluekitchen- I had thought I had seen a kitchen with darker cabinets and soapstone countertops, I just couldn't remember which kitchen it was -- I really liked the combination. I am so glad to hear that you love your kitchen - it is beautiful! I am looking forward to having all these decisions behind me. Now I just have to worry about a back splash and cabinet hardware - how hard can that be ;).

We have cabinets painted in Divinity on maple (http://www.medallioncabinetry.com/Product.aspx?productID=161&CategoryID=2) which is a cool off white with the honed jet mist. I really like it - everything is softer. The honed jet mist reminds me of a chalkboard, I don't know why. With the white streaks running through it I am much happier than going with absolute black honed, I think it can help hide any imperfections longer (not that I have any right now!!). We also had polished uba tuba in our old house and I hated the streaks as well. When we went to see a slab, yes, the guy was like, look at the fingerprints just want you to know etc and so we hemmed and hawed a bit about honed but finally said it can't be any worse than the streaks on a polished. I don't really notice any fingerprints. I am a bit fanatical about wiping down the counters right now (for water spots or food stains) but we have only had them for 3 months. All I use is either clorox wipes or just a paper towel with some dish soap. Occasionally I have used the method granite spray. If anyone has any better suggestions let me know! I also have 3 young children and don't believe they have inflicted any damage either. I'll do my best to upload a pic later to help.

No, the door isn't 7 1/4" deep! The "case depth" (without doors) is 24", the depth with the doors is 28" and 31" is the depth with the deepest part of the handles included. My cabinets are the same depth as the case, so that just the doors stick out. The fact that the handles apparently stick out 3 more inches really isn't noticeable.