there's also quartz by cambria, zodiaq(dupont), and caesarstone.

Yes, thanks. HD has a Silestone offer going on.. that's why we figured we go with that.

Here is a link that might be useful: Here is Unsui and other options

I think you need to look at the undertones. Your cabinet looks very gold. Generally, I prefer a warmer color countertop with this color cabinet. I agree that the travertine doesn't go with the countertops, but I think that is because it is warm in color. I don't care for the grays with this color cabinet.

I can't open the whites link but as long as they are not grey whites but are cream whites I think it is a much better choice.

Those choices don't necessarily read modern to me -- particularly that cabinet door (if it is your actual door and not just a color sample). It would also help to know your floor color, as it could have a bearing on your final choices. In the sample shot, is the Unsui the center sample? It is reading more gray than brown, so I don't know that it is the best choice for the cabinets. The direction you're going could make a nice transitional/traditional space -- but is that what you want?

We have a modern kitchen. Our cabs are oak, but in a similar tone to your cabs. I also thought I wanted one of the more pure whites, but in the end we went with Zodiac Papyrus. Looking at the Silestone colors, I'm thinking it is something like White North or maybe Haiku. I actually found my BS tile before settling on the quartz. So that actually helped me pick a quartz color. That is an advantage of quartz -- it lets the BS be the star, and you can always find a quartz to work with your BS. With granit, it controls the choices.

I have only had 8 years experience with a DH, but what I have learned is they tend to fall for individual things without considering how it all works as a whole. It is our job to shepherd them along the path to continuity!

Here is a link that might be useful: Zodiaq Papyrus

I like the whites option (the 2 main ones shown, not the gray flecked one) and the 2 grays on the top. The speckled gray and the other busy combos are too wild for the bs.

Currently, IKEA has 40% off counters if you get a kitchen from them and they carry Silestone (among many other brands). If your dh likes a modern vibe, you should check out IKEAfans.com and also go to the store. You never know what might appeal to you. I was very skeptical, but so many people on GW were happy with their IKEA kits, so I went with a half open mind and realized what all the fuss was about.

If you have them install your cabs, it is 10% off for that now. If you open a credit card account, you get another 10% off everything, and you have 24 months to pay, interest free.

For example, we are getting our cabs and counters from them in a fairly large kitchen, and with installation of both, it comes to under $10k. We did not sacrifice in quality or looks one iota, IMHO. They have a very efficient way of selling kitchens and do such volume that they can offer great prices. Our counters will be Corian, which is usually expensive - similar to the Silestone in price, but with the 40% off, will come to under $2k installed. That is about 1/3 to 1/4 of what we were looking at for some other choices. We chose some upgrades and customization and the price is still that low. Their granite and laminate are even cheaper than that.

I'm with other posters -- I don't think any counter that is gray or has gray undertones is going to go well with that cabinet color.

Another vote for the creamiest of the whites. The grey and the speckled gray conflict with the cabinets and the back splash.

Thanks everyone for the wonderful feedback. You've pretty much convinced us that neither of these grays will go with our door. Unsui is actually brownish IMO, but if you all saw grayish, it must be for a reason.

>>Dianalo--- will absolutely check IKEA. What a deal you are getting!

>>Jakabedy your kitchen is beautiful! Thanks for sharing. Love the little glass. Been thinking about that, but seems so expensive. Do you ever get tired of the pattern?

The door in the pic was just to show the color, not the style. Style is called Durham. Here it's shown. Durham Door Style/Colour

Glad you asked about the floors. It's also going to be wood, maple. Close to the cabinet colors. We got the Travertine at $10 per sq. ft which I thought was pretty cheap. If we go with creamy or white countertops, I don't think the travertine BS will work.

I am just afraid if we do white counters, it will look *very* similar to our old kitchen (the one we hated!) :)These are pics from old kichen.

We are both clueless I'm afraid. This is terrifying... So here is a summary of where we stand.

(1) These are the Grays we were considering (includes UNSUI).

(2) These are the White Options (Know will go for SOLIDs, so ignore all the busy ones).

If we go with creamy or white, am afraid we'll need a new BS.
(3) Two BS ideas + The my bottom CABINETS installed.

THANKS everyone! Please send any more thoughts and feedback. Particularly, any good BS ideas that would work with Maple Pralinee doors and whitish/creamish solid counter (or other tones you think might work)

This has been extremely helpful. Peace and Love,
Candri

Hi Candri,

Did you decide on your counter yet? I was going back and forth between Unsui and Gedatsu. Gedatsu won. Unsui was very similar to our floor color and we were afraid it would be too much of the same thing. I really liked Unsui though!! I'd love to see it in someone's kitchen someday!

.E