I think Stephanie brings up a good point. She LOVES grey. If you love gray (and I mean not because it's the in color right now but you've always been drawn to shades of gray) then I say go for it. Especially if you have no plans of moving in the next 10 years. However if you are choosing the gray because it's what is being seen all around (like in RH which started the trend), and you've become "accustomed" to it, sort of like in the 60's we became accustomed to nehru suits and avocado green appliances, then I'd say go instead with something more neutral and bring in the grays in the other areas. Also, it may be the photo, but Stephanie's floors have a hint of gray but look more like a natural floor than one that was stained with gray. Beautiful kitchen btw!

Hello! I have lurked here for a while and enjoy everyone’s projects and am amazed at the knowledge and helpfulness from everyone. Now we are planning to make changes to our kitchen and I need your advice. This started when we decided to get a new oven with a proof option because my husband often bakes bread. Then a new cooktop sounded like a good idea, and a new downdraft to go with it. So, of course, we have to get new counter tops for the cooktop to sit on! My husband does not want to paint or replace the cabinets. We are not doing this to sell the house. We’d like to make it the way we like it. We know what we like when we see it, but are not creative enough to imagine it. That’s why we are asking for advice. The current cabinets, Subzero refrigerator, sink, and faucet will stay. The dishwasher is a Miele which is working fine, but it would be nice to have a new quieter dishwasher and get all the ‘remodeling’ done at the same time. An oven with a French door or side opening door is appealing, but not required. We have seen the Wolf appliances and like them. We’ve also seen Thermador and liked those, but I don’t have model numbers. I am open to other brands and models, and want quality that won’t break. The appliances don’t all have to be the same brand. These are the models we are considering: Wolf SO30TE/S/TH oven Wolf CG304T/S cooktop Best Cattura down draft (1st choice) with exterior motor. Wolf DD30 down draft (2nd choice) I need a lot of advice on the counters. We like the Cambria marble collection. We don’t like a lot of movement or large pattern in the counter, but do like small veining. We don’t know whether light/white or dark/black would go better with the oak cabinets, but we are leaning toward the light/white counters. We’ve seen these: Cambria Swanbridge Silestone Eternal Statuario Silestone Iconic Black I would like a ‘window sill’ or ‘shelf’ made from the counter material across the bottom of all 4 of the windows behind the sink, like a wide window sill. But don’t know what is possible or how to describe what I want. The sink/faucet is pretty close to the window directly behind it. I am attaching current photos of the kitchen. Thank you for your advice! http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj539/mg999999/IMG_0996_zpssgslxeqi.jpg http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj539/mg999999/IMG_0988_zpsbxmvv25y.jpg?1525547129078&1525547129468

I chose light quartz countertops with my oak cabinets because I like a light space. I have seen dark counters too and they also look good, but can darken the kitchen and I like a bright kitchen. If you do not have under cabinet lighting, consider it. I love mine and think it would be definitely necessary if you chose a dark counter. The under cabinet lighting is great for anyone who cooks a lot. Is there any possibility of installing a regular vent hood? Your stovetop is on the perimeter and a traditional vent would do a better job for you then a downdraft. I can't remark on the appliances except that I have a very basic Bosch dishwasher and I love how quiet it is. You will get more responses if you upload your pics - many won't click on an unknown link - even photobucket. Also would help to post pics of the countertops. Many here do not have the countertops memorized and don't want to look them up. My oak kitchen is in a vintage style and in my "my pics" idea book.

Ok, then, help us help you. "What are your floors? What backsplash are you going with? Your lighting? Budget? Favorite color? Is that a smoky gray color?" I would add since all new, what are you planing for your floors to be? All others still need to be answered...........