Honestly, your inspiration picture look a bit disjointed to me. When we did my kitchen, my designer said her rule was if you had two different cabinet finishes, use one countertop material, and if you want to countertops, choose one cabinet finish. Obviously, this is just her opinion, not the law ;) but it made sense to me.

I would do the danby on the island and perimeter...but I think the butcher block on the end would be fine since it is a functional item. I just wouldn't do a different material on the perimeter.

Thanks so much for the input!! I think you're right - it does look a bit choppy. Now to figure out whether to have the butcher higher or at the same level...

I'm pulling this out of my head, but it seems if you have two levels, you reduce the usable flat area of your island. I look at the example you posted, and go, why? If it were a separate piece of butcher block that would be another matter. I just don't understand the point of making it higher.

^^ yeah, unless ergonomically it makes chopping easier? I would keep it one level myself so as to make using the island for other things besides prep (entertaining, projects, etc) easier.

Yes, same material on island and perimeter. And I agree with linelle, if the butcher block is built in, why not make it flush? Talk about looking disjointed... sheesh, that example photo island would drive me nuts!!

I have been doing more reading on this and I think I'm going to go all marble (even on the island) with a seam at the end near the sink. I can have a huge custom cutting board made to hide the seam and it will be so much easier to clean and functional. Thanks so much for the responses!!!! Feeling much better about this now:)

Not to confuse the issue but GWer rhome410's kitchen breaks the "rules" suggested above and, IMHO, it is gorgeous! Her kitchen has 3 different counter materials - laminate, butcher block and SS - and 3 different cabinet finishes - natural fir and 2 painted finishes, burgundy and cream.

This is their "forever" home so it's okay that they did something that's not the norm. If you're planning to move soon, you do need to keep in mind that not everyone likes a mix of materials. If you're staying put for a while, do what makes you happy and what fits your home. I think if the location of the butcher block makes sense for your kitchen - it's for prep and it's obvious that it's for prep - it won't be an issue. And I definitely would keep it flush with the marble. I can see myself setting something on the edge and having it crash onto the marble, making a big ol' mess.

Here is a link that might be useful: rhome410's kitchen, Friday is Pizza, Monday is Soup blog

I was going to bring up rhomes kitchen. Different colors and finishes and beautifully done.

I like the butcher block on the end but can't see why it would be around a wet area. It looks neat to have a dedicated chopping section, though.

Sounds like your choices are lovely so far!

Here's an example of marble & butcher block. This is one of my favorite GW kitchens & I'm so embarrassed that I don't know whose kitchen it is.
With the length of your island, a piece of butcherblock could look nice. It would also be nice to have a prep area that you wouldn't have to worry about etching.
I have Danby. My seam is at the sink & looks good but is not invisible. There are some Danby owners here that have had seam issues.

Now that looks good at the same level, and practical too!

Oh, I know that kitchen! But dang it, I can't remember her full screen name. I'm pretty sure it has "Alabama" in it but that's about all my poor ol' brain can dredge up at the moment. It has walnut accents in a mostly white kitchen. You can see some of the walnut detail under the marble and butcher block. She also has walnut accents on the upper cabinets. It's a stunning kitchen. Hopefully someone else will remember her screen name and can find her reveal thread.

Wahoo, my brain kicked in and I remembered her screen name: Alabamamommy. Click the link below to see her lovely, lovely kitchen.

She also has 3 different counters: marble and butcher block on the island and what looks like a quartz on the perimeter counter. The butcher block is well-placed; right across from the range. It's inclusion and placement make perfect sense.

Here is a link that might be useful: White Kitchen w/ walnut, 99% finished and lived in!

Now it really was driving me crazy and I had to find that kitchen. Luckily I had bookmarked it. It's celineike's kitchen. Alabamamommy's kitchen is another beautiful kitchen.
I can't get the link to work, not sure what I am doing wrong.

Here is a link that might be useful: I Finished my White Zen Kitchen

This post was edited by romy718 on Wed, Dec 4, 13 at 10:28

I remember celineike's kitchen but until now I didn't realize that they had used similar, lovely elements in their kitchens. No wonder I got confused!

Let's see if I can get the link to work. (yay, I did!)

Here is a link that might be useful: I Finished my White Zen Kitchen

Maybe soapstone on the perimeter? That would compliment the marble island...and I think the butcher block on one end (slightly raised) would be a great idea :)