I don't know if you've checked out the finished kitchen blog, but you can search by different categories - there are not too many that have both white/cream cabinets and buther block, but there are a few: http://delicious.com/starpooh/b2:Cabinet_Finish:Painted+b3%3ACabinet_Color%3AWhite%2FCream+c2%3ACounter_nonGranite%3AWood%3AButcherblock;_ylt=A0wNBsHmgyRK.GoB3XthRh54;_ylv=3 Some only have bb on one part of CT. Others only have painted cabinets on some cabinets (like an Island), but at least it gives you a visual. The finished kitchen blog is a great resource because there are so many REAL LIFE kitchens. It reminded me - you don't have to stick to cream/off white - you could get adventurous and do a color. Check out Pammo's kitchen with the green island. It's really sharp. Here is a link that might be useful: kitchens with painted white/cream cabinets and butcher block CT

I think that kitchen looks really sharp! I love so many things about it - the tile to the ceiling (ok - the tiled range hood is weird), the built-in look of the cabinets, those light fixtures!!! Don't worry about being too trendy or not - do what you love. Kitchens get update every 15-20 years anyway.... I LOVE hollysprings' suggestion of the welder's table or something else cool for the island - something open underneath would look utilitarian and visually open up the space a bit too (depending on how big your kitchen is, a black island can just end up feeling like 10lbs of crap in a 5lb sack - very heavy and imposing). Maybe a compromise? [Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Jamestown Architects & Building Designers Ellen McKenna Design

Does a tuxedo get old or boring? Black and white is always a classic and looks sharp and clean. I have nothing against the white on white look either, it's a classic beauty like no other. You have to pick what you like and decide to be happy with it. Also, paintable cabinets are paintable again, you could do the Carrara and decide later to paint some or all of the cabinets 8-10 years down the road if you feel it is too boring or vanilla. I love my black cabinets and my Calacatta, but I know it's not for everyone, it definitely has an attitude about it. For me, I have no fear, knowing it's likely we may paint them something different someday. However, the investment we made in the countertops is not one I would like to take on again, it was huge - even at my cost. So, I had to love that surface and love the idea of patina (which I so do, after seeing those working surfaces in Greece/Italy in person) for good. This will be our primary home for at least 20 years and probably for good. I like the idea of mixing counter materials and beachbum has a good idea about the seating/kid area being more durable. Best of luck to you, it sounds like you have a lovely start on your dream kitchen!

The white kitchen in the picture is actually a model of our kitchen. It appears, from the photo, that there isn't a window inside the kitchen itself, just in adjacent rooms. Is that correct? If that's the case, and if your architectural style supports it, then go with lighter cabinets (light stain, white, sky blue, whatever). :-D