hey matt--
how large a space is getting paint?

Matt... how about something a little more gold? I think that would look awesome with what you described. ALWAY... get sample pots. It you like a color but it's too strong, ask them to make it up at 50% 25% whatever. I did that in our remodel with BM. I think I bought a total of 11 sample pots of paint.

I think a tan would look perfect but perhaps you have the wrong tan. Try Benjamin Moore Shelburne Buff HC 28. It's sort of a taupe-y gold. Superb with black and white. My office is that color, and the pic of the Ubatuba looks great with it.

@sabjimata - For the most part, the main area of the kitchen will be covered with cabinets and appliances. In that area, there would be paint on the area above the cabinets and some gaps betweens cabs and openings. However, there is an area off to the side that would have a fair amount and is a little darker and that is one of the areas that concerns me.

Good point though. I have seen several posts here where people state that since there is less painted area in the kitchen that you can get a little bolder with the color. My biggest concern is not with going bold but whether I've got the right color.

@remodelfla - A little more gold might not be bad. I agree that sample pots are a good thing since if I just went with the chip and then bought it and put it up, I would already be pretty disappointed. In the scheme of a remodel, $50-100 on sample pots is not that big of a deal.

In regards to reducing the color, I saw that recently and to me, wouldn't that just make it fall into a different chip/color? I guess it isn't a bad idea if you like the color to be able to tone it down a little. I'll have to think about it.

I'm going to throw two more colors at you--Sherwin Williams Blonde and Ivorie. Try google images...Sounds like you want a goldish tan and Ivorie will probably be more to your liking. They are both very popular and you should be able to see many pics online.
Would you consider waiting until after the cabs and granite are installed? It's easier to paint before the install, but you don't get to see all the elements together. You might end up having to repaint if you don't like the finished product :)

I did not find Soleil to be anything more than off-white in a room without much natural light.

@marcolo - Right now with primer white walls, no cabinets or floors and halogen work lights, Soleil stands out quite well. I can see how it might get lost amongst cabinets and trim and less light though.

In general, I find it best to go with a yellow that appears more beige or tan than I think I want. Then, when it's all over the walls, it's the perfect shade. Anything that looks bright and sunny on the chip seems to get about twice as "loud" once it's on the wall. That's been my experience, but I think many people say the same thing about yellow in particular. You might look at BM Aura jicama or safari; they look tannish on the chip, but you can google some images of them and see the warm buttery color.

Hi everyone!

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions. We ended up going with BM Popcorn Kernel. The kitchen is not completely done but the picture below has all of the main parts (except the white beveled subway tile backsplash [which I could be talked out of]). Obviously pictures never quite do the real thing justice, but we are very happy with the color and the way it looks in our kitchen with minimal natural lighting and CFL bulbs in the ceiling fan. It does look a little different and a touch greener in the pantry with two T8 flourescent bulbs but we still like it.

Thanks again for a great forum. It has helped so much throughout this project!