When it goes out of style, you can paint it white.

I like islands that look like a piece of furniture and the different finish furthers that look. And I agree, if it looks dated to you at some point, you can paint it.

I have a white perimeter cabinets & a white island (actually 2 white islands). After looking at tons of pictures, i decided that was the look that appealed to me. I see lots of kitchens that have stained or painted islands & I think they are beautiful also. Get what you love.

When I built my home almost 7 years ago, I thought having the same finish on interior and perimeter cabs would be too much~I loved the white glazed as well as the dark stained distressed Elderwood. I chose to have the interior cabs~where sink/appliances are also located~in the white glazed, two banks across from each other. The 22 ft bank on the perimeter are the dark Elderwood. My builder asked 'if I was sure', having never used the treatment in a kitchen before, but I stuck to my guns.

I've never been sorry, and have had more compliments on the' originality'. I personally think it's ' stunning', as well as original.

I didn't have room for an island but if I did I would have done the white perimeter cabinets and dark wood (actually maybe natural maple is probably what I would have done) on the island. As it is, I have a peninsula and to pay homage to the effect my 16" overhang is dark-stained maple rather than continuing the granite counter. I still love the look. It just adds some extra personality I think, to the kitchen.

A friend of mine, at my suggestion because she had the room for an island, jumped at the suggestion to do that. I love the look as does she.

I am ordering cabs today & have decided to do white perimeter cabs & a black island. I feel a little nervous but have seen tons of pics that look great. Like a few others have said. If it goes out of style or you get sick of it. Paint it.

I am also doing white perimeter and dark stained wood island. I do feel like the island will take more abuse, and the white would show that up badly. I think it's a nice look, and as long as you don't go too crazy with other "clowns" in your kitchen - ie, only one counter, one tile for the BS - you will be OK. It's when you start having too many "look at me" spots in your kitchen that it starts looking bad.

I really like the look of light perimeter cabs and a dark island - it's what I have. But if I had to do it all over again, I think I'd go with a lighter wood for the island (maybe natural cherry, as opposed to the espresso I have). The dark wood shows marks and dust much more than I expected. My perimeter cabs look great, but I don't know how they would do with foot scuffs if I'd chosen white for the island. Have fun picking your finishes! (Sorry if my pic displays sideways. I'm still figuring houzz out...)

I bit the bullet this week and ordered a pecan island with a black glaze...and white perimeter cabinets. I think it will look great (fingers crossed!)! Having spent many hours looking over online photos, I don't think it will look dated for a while. Good luck and enjoy the process! Love the granite in the above photo...fouramblues, do you mind sharing the name?

Fouramblues, your kitchen is beautiful. I thought about the dust too but if it's not dust then it's dirt etc. I think we are all looking for the "perfect" solution & there just isn't one when you actually live in and use the kitchen. I wouldn't change a thing about your kitchen. You did a lovely job.

( my guess on the name? Awake all night with babies?) :)

Thanks, kennedy! It's actually quartz, not granite. Cambria brand, Buckingham color. I'm a little jealous that you're getting a pecan island - I think it will look fantastic!

Thanks so much, Lily! You're right - there are always compromises, and we can only do our best to navigate them. The name was from when I had to get up in the 4 o'clock hour to get to work. I sure don't miss those days!

fouramblues. LOL. I always thought your name had something to do with four of you and a team color (blue).

Ha ha, Linelle! I loved the thread a while back where people explained their names. Some were very clever and many surprised me! (I don't remember if that was here or on Home Decorating.)

When I was making my final decisions I almost went with white perimeter and white island with a wood stained counter on the island to set it off. I think that's a pretty look too. I got some design advise that lead me to doing a natural cherry island with a counter that matched the white perimeter cabinets. I'm very happy with the result. I do think the island takes the most abuse and it's definitely hidden better by the cherry. Also like the quartz counters. With little kids they just feel less worrisome to me. I really don't think it's a look that will go out any sooner than the rest of the kitchen will.

HappyValleyHome

Do you have a link for the barstools you have?

Mbbrown...here is the link for the counter stools. They are in the Glacier colorway. Good price point but they are not super high quality. They had to be assembled and the screws need to be tightened occasionally but have held up for 3 years. I have kids who still make messes so at this price point I didn't have to worry that every time they sat down to eat they would ruin something expensive

https://www.target.com/p/brookline-tufted-25-counter-stool-chestnut-wood-finish-threshold-153/-/A-14604269#lnk=sametab&preselect=14408703.

@happyvalleyhome can you tell me what stain was used on the walnut island?