I actually HAD brown quartz (Cambria Canterbury) for my white kitchen. It was just too much contrast for me... perhaps if the white was more creamy or had a glaze it would have been ok for me. I cancelled it and went with New Quay--gray/white in color. Even though my island is brown with a black glaze on it, all that white was what I saw first and I needed to tone it down, not add to the contrast. That's just my taste though.

I vote for the tan brown. I'm not particularly parial to the goldtone granites. I prefer a more dramatic look and the tan brown with the dark background and the reddish brown flecks gives a nice contrast that I think would go well with the cherry cabinets. I have dark cabinets too and considered tan brown granite. I ended up with peacock green, which is also dark and dramatic, but I really liked the green contrast. See my pictures below ( I wish I knew how to make them smaller).

Hello - I am the one who asked the identical question 2 days ago!. I have light oak cabinets, light oak floor and tan brown granite countertops and am looking for backsplash ideas. So far, the picture that Petra Granite posted is a great idea and I LOVE the look, however, I am trying to find out from him/her what the name and manufacturer of the tumbled marble is so I can find out more about it. If you get any additional ideas please pass them on!

It's a matter of finding the right white that works with your countertops, floors & lighting. I've linked to an article that recommends painting foam core board (2 coats) & viewing your sample boards throughout the day & evening under different lighting conditions in your kitchen. Here is a link that might be useful: Testing Wall Colors