Are you using natural hickory cabinets and floors or with a stain that tones down the variances in colors ? Natural hickory has so much going on, it's beautiful with a dark granite. I love the looks of hickory but I'm not sure I would want too much of a movement in the granite, would it get too busy? I'm not that great at seeing the whole picture, so just asking.

The cabinets do have a stain but a very light one. As far as the floor it does have a dark stain so not much variation. I think with all the dark going on we just need something lighter. I agree as far as movement. I don't want a lot but I don't really like the spotted kinds.

I love movement in granite as well. Your fireplace is very beautifully done btw. Good luck in making your decision on granite, I just went through this too. It was a very difficult time for us, but I was constantly drawn to the same granite time and time again, so when I saw the slabs I purchased, I knew they were right choice for me. My advice is follow your heart. Have you done a 'story board' with your choices to see them all put together?

No I haven't but that is a good idea.

Hickory is always described as an "energetic" wood, but it isn't a dark one. I think you could go light or dark, especially if you have plenty of natural light in the kitchen. I also think the energy of the cabinets can support movement in the stone beautifully though.

Whatever you choose, I think in this case you need color contrast (no beige or light brown stone) to avoid the "jeans suit" look, if you know what I mean. How do you feel about adding a little color - a little green or blue, something not totally white and brown, like White Ice?

I do like the movement and the light color. Color is so hard to see on the computer. It looks more gray than blue to me. I will take a look at it next time we go to the stone yard. Thank you.

Detailed view of a slab with appreciable blue. Slabs vary a lot in the ratio of grey to blue. You're welcome. Really pretty house by the way.