I think the black looks better but the black will show more scratches and dust.

I truly think either one will work well. I think I prefer the black as well (but only marginally so I guess I am not too helpful). Very nice kitchen.

IMO, the black one looks a million times better than the white.

Yep either will work, white brings in another element to go with the floor/paint. Black brings in another element to go with the accents on our stainless and flecks in your counter tops. For some reason the black feels more at home, but you can't screw this one up as both are good!!

Thanks so much all! I was hoping on staining the top to match the cabs regardless what color I got. I really like the black cause it can hide any run-ins my boys may have with a crayon in hand. But the white I can spruce up with white beadboard to close up the sides in the future to hide any clutter!

I'm tempted to paint the walls a greige color (SW Agreeable Grey) but with that ugly granite color not sure how it'll look, so just living with it for now.

thanks again, and Monica you rock for the mock-up!

Black

Add my vote to black.

Pretty kitchen.

Black

(and while your at Ikea you may want to look at their under cabinet lighting).

When I moved into my condo, there were two of those islands in the kitchen (I've since sold them - we remodeled and put in a permanent island). Just wanted to let you know you will love it -- they are incredibly functional!

Black, but you could always paint it if you didn't want that color or wanted to change it later. Adding beadboards and trim pieces to the sides is also a good idea. I have a friend who turned an ugly microwave cart into a very nice little island.

I like either color, but wonder how the black will look with a darker wood top - white might be better? Use caution when staining wood that will come in contact with food. You may be interested in what this woman did - she darkened the butcher block with beeswax and oil mixture. The color may work with you cabinets.

Butcher block counter

Thanks so much for the beeswax product info Olychick! I dont plan on putting food directly on this island, but I am all for natural products over chemicals anyday. And a plus I can use it on my wood and bamboo cutting boards!

I like the black. My DD has butcher block in cherry. She didn't stain it but put a marine grade waterproof on it. The cherry is a gorgeous color as the treatment brings out the natural color so there was no need to stain it.

I wouldn't do white or black. The white is too stark against the dark brown, and the black provides no contrast whatsoever. I think cream or off white would look great though.

I would get the white one, and wash some color over it, once you decide on an accent color. Darkening the top would look nice, also.

pretty kitchen!