It really matches nicely I think. I can't say if it will be too dark. Did you find your old white tiled counter tops too light in the bright sunlit room? Your samples look very sophisticated to me.

Are the cabinets getting some kind of topcoat? Matte colors always look darker, so if there's some sheen still to be put on, the lighter variations in the wood will be more apparent to the eye and perhaps more pleasing to you?

I might wait to decide after a few of the doors go back on so you get the full effect. In any case, the counter colors look like a nice match to me.

thanks, enduring... here is a before photo. the kitchen was a sea of white and yellow oak. anything but sophisticated.

oh, i didn't realize that the poly will lighten the shade a little bit (or at least highlight the lighter portions). that's a big help. thanks circuspeanut!

I think they will look nice!

I think it goes really well together but does the stain on the cabinets not match the sample stain that you had??

If it is not what you thought you were getting I would bring it up with the cabinet people.

I'd also consider painting the walls lighter to compensate a little. What was your plan for a bs?

chitown, the stain is darker than the sample. the sample was more of a dark brown that had a few faint red streaks. this is a black brown. unfortunately, regarding any complaints, the "cabinet people" are my husband and our friend!

dianalo, i was thinking of a matte cream subway tile. do you have any other suggestions??

I don't think a dark walnut vs. an espresso would make much difference. Both will look dark. With that said, I think both match your countertop really well and will be beautiful. The cream subway tile would be perfect... it would brighten that space and give you some contrast (is the lightest color in the counter cream? just try to match that.)

When it's all installed and you've lived with it a while, if you need more light, lighten the wall paint color. Really, though.... it looks like it will be lovely...

I like it and I really like the counter with it. The counter looks like it has some white in it- although I guess the actual slab could be different from the sample - which will keep it from being cave-like. I'm with enduring - I think it looks sophisticated.
As for the stain being a different colour - was the sample done on the same type of wood as your cabinets? Different woods will take stains differently, and depending on how they're brushed on and wiped down, etc.

Your kitchen will need supplemental lighting in order to not be so dark. Add in more recessed lighting that will wash light across the front of the cabinets. Also add a light rail and under cabinet molding. Your kitchen would also look dramatic with over cabinet up lighting. Add in a pretty glass range hood with halogen lighting over your island and even after the sun goes down, you;ll be able to see your tasks.

I like the cab with your counter combo. Hard for me to visualize without the doors but I think it's going to look lovely.

It looks great with the countertop sample. No worries.

if you have doubts...pay attention...you're in the space, we're not. What you show is fine but silestone has seleno, blanco city, stellar snow-all with multi colors that you seek, and appear a bit lighter. The cab stain has it's good points,esp with a bit modernish hardware-are you locked in to your counter color...doesn't hurt to consider all options. You know,a few uppers could be retrofitted with glass inserts at a later date-that will lighten it at eye level if you seek that.

Espresso is a really good chic look. I like what you are planning especially with the back splash! That will solve everything. You have great taste! Also as others have said the top coat and the lighter wall paint will bring in the light and contrast. I love it, good job. I love seeing how talented people are in choosing their colors!

Personally, I think its great. It appears you have a good amount of natural light and its an open kitchen, so I wouldn't be concerned about it being too dark. We have chocolate cabinets with Blue Pearl GT Granite, for a similar look in our open, but smaller, kitchen (still not quite done) and I'm very pleased...

Good luck to you.