Katie, you're so right. All the countless little decisions that need to be made can be so overwhelming!

I'm not sure that black would look good with dark brown. I almost purchased these counter stools from Overstock, dark mahogany with x back:

I love the idea of a grey or slate blue island. But how much do you love it? If you're going to do a color, I'd lean toward something like this, but you said you want all wood:

{{!gwi}}

Hi Erika!

Are those from Crate & Barrel? I've looked at those a dozen times! I say all wood stools due to the kiddos, but those would stand up to them too!

I think I'm still leaning toward the dark walnut island (I seem to keep thinking of it as an "anchor" in our otherwise light/airy/open plan). Crazy talk? Maybe.

I'm also considering getting my stools unfinished & staining them to match or just complement the island color.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Yup, those are the Crate & Barrel ones ... don't you love them?? I almost got them, but then I decided I already have so much "popping" in here that I'd go with something more subdued for the counter stools. I still love them though and if you get them I'll happily drool over them! =)

My indecision about the color for the island held up my project for a longggg time. I kept vacillating between white, brown, and grey-blue. Although I ended up going with the dark brown stain, I realize now that any of those choices would have turned out lovely. I just don't think you can go wrong with any of the colors you mentioned. Sorry I can't be of more help LOL!

Staining them might be a great idea ... I wish I knew how to do that. You could save a lot of money, and then if you get sick of them in a few years, you could change them out.

Our tastes are so similar, I just know I'm going to adore your kitchen when it's done. So exciting!!

Have a great weekend!

Erika

Here are some pics that might help with the
kitchen seating ideas.
~boxerpups

Bungalo Bliss

Erikanh suggested this kind and here it is in
a kitchen. I like it. Google image
{{!gwi}}

jeanstofferdesigns

Higherground.com

wilsonart

Live Aux
{{!gwi}}

I love these but this is my inspiration pic so I am
a bit biased. HB

covenantkitchens

harmonyandhome peacockdesigns

Another image of peacock designs
{{!gwi}}

vanwaycabiets
{{!gwi}}

Marinskitchendesigns
{{!gwi}}

icecreamandboysblog
{{!gwi}}

Boxerpups~

You really are the MVP of kitchen images! Thank you!

I ,too, LOVE LOVE that Chris Peacock kitchen & it's got me thinking that maybe I should go with a white island to match my perimeter & warm it up with espresso wood X back stools....

Erika~

I love those C & B stools, but I feel just like you whenever I revisit them. I'll have stainless appliances, quite the range hood(!) and polished nickel pendants- metal overload with those stools. Too bad, so cute.

Any more opinions on island/stools?

Thanks!

I'm going to end up with creamy parameter beaded inset cabs, soapstone counters on the params and a stained island/table with Imperial Danby marble (grey and brown veining) and the brown Henry Leather bar stools from Yankee Sturbridge. I ordered six of them plus two matching stools. I needed something that would clean up easily but would be comfortable for sitting.

Very nice quality, sadly made in China though :-(

I saw them in jbrodie's gorgeous kitchen and I had to have them - think they're still on sale but the shipping was expensive.

Here is a link that might be useful: Henry leather stools

Colleen, your stools are very nice and look a little bit like mine. I got mine from Overstock, so shipping was cheap and I had a 10% off coupon. They are comfortable. My DD has a tendency to throw herself into chairs and my DH is a big guy, so we'll see how long they hold up.

{{!gwi}}

Here is a link that might be useful: Manhattan Stools