We chose ceasarstone for the countertop in one of our bathroom remodels. It has not been completed yet so I don't have pictures, but I chose it to go with slate floors and porcelain/slate shower and alder cabinets. I was told that you have to buy a whole slab so its not economical if you have a small space to do, but we have a long counter so it worked. I did not want to do granite because I have never been on the granite bandwagon, for kitchens or bathrooms, and was looking for durable alternatives. The ceasarstone website shows lots of really modern options but I bet a google image search or something on www.houzz.com could show you color options that aren't super modern. Our bathroom is the opposite of ultra modern in our wood trim, mountain home. I chose paperstone counters in another bathroom but that might not be what you are looking for. It's not shiny and has more of a honed quality look to it. Its durable though (that was chosen for the kids bath).

for the handles, may I suggest something to pick up on the hues in the flooring? A little more copper toned. you have light cabs, light floors. I think throwing in a dark ORB w/o actual copper highlights would be too much of a contrast. IMO. cypress park Sandra, I like the porcelain one better than the other one. Does the backsplash have to be done immediately? If the tones in the porcelain tile you picked clash w/the ivory tones in the counter, it could be a problem. However, I did find some copper toned ones that should be avail. these are porcelain/SS, and treated so as not to stain or tarnish. I LOVE these for your kitchen. timeless and gorgeous. They are probably not super cheap, but it would be worth it for me. http://www.miusartmosaics.com/arabesque-lantern-beacon-copper-tile-in these would also work. the site is here: maybe they have them in stock.http://www.westsidetile.com/arabesque-tiles/ i like this one too. notice the copper faucet. beautiful w/the glass mosaic. if you got the cream countertop, this would look amazing w/your floors. this last one is a copper colored slate/quartzite.

Heatheron40, very nice. I asked a question about doing a tile countertop in our guest cabin recently as I feel like the look would complement the cabin aesthetic. Also I’m dying to learn to tile and thought it would be a fun place to start as it’s not an everyday space and I could take my time. Most of the responses were against. Basically stating the grout would make me crazy. The guy at the said what you’re saying I think, he said that modern grouts are more resistant to staining and such, and also to go with a tinted grout of some sort. I love your use of pattern to give it interest and intention!

commenting b/c I just found this thread and I really want to know too! Would love to see pics of the hickory cabinets as well, if they're done. Hickory is one of my husband's choices for the kitchen.