The kitchen is 13 X 15, and we will add as much light as we can but there is just one window and a window in a door. Went back to Ikea today to look at Caesarstone counters (the current sale is the draw) and think that Piatra Gray looks good, but wondering if a light counter would brighten the space. Frosty Carrina might work (thoughts on the color with Grimslov white?) but then really wonder what to do for a backsplash. The Piatra Gray while dark, coordinates well with gray subway tile or possibly off white subway. What do you think??

I agree - love the floor but I think I would go with something simpler. I would look at different countertops, too. I know people (like someone above) always say that keeping things a darker single color makes a small space look bigger, but that's never my experience! I always think an all white space looks the biggest! So I'd do the white shaker cabs with maybe a white countertop and backsplash. We've purchased the pure white quartz from ikea, as well as the pure white acrylic (corian) and both look great and modern. If you think this house might appeal to some artsy hipster types, I also like the Marsta door which channels a midcentury vibe. It is on supersale right now. The space is small so I'd bring in interest with hardware and a lighting fixture.

Your first decision should be do you prefer quartz or solid surface? They are both perfectly good choices with their own pluses and minuses, none of which are deal breakers. If you're happy with either material, then go for the look you prefer (unless there is a price difference that matters to you). As for your island, there are different considerations. What do you plan to do on that island? My island is used not only for assembling cakes and cookies and such, I also use it for my granddaughter's adventures in painting, cutting fabric for a quilt I'm working on, and sticking patches on my grandson's Cut Scout "brag vest." Crafts are definitely better on a non-wood surface. I have a walnut cutting board at the sink that I use multiple times a day and love-love-love. After 2.5 years, it's still beautiful, but it shows lots of cut marks and it dries out. Every now and then I hit it with butcher block conditioner, but I wouldn't want to be doing that real often. I don't think I'd choose it for a whole countertop. If I were choosing, I'd go with the same material as the perimeter, or the same material in a lighter color maybe.

"AFTER PHOTOS" Countertops: Lusso by Silestone Backsplash: Bedrosians CLOE purchased at Lowes online Island Color: Iron Ore Sherwin Williams Sink: Blanco Precis 32" Undermount Silgranit Faucet: Delta "Grant" Satin Nickel After thoughts...We are very happy with the end result. We have had a number of friends come in and comment how much they love our new cabinets...which are not new. Overall the kitchen looks fresh and clean. I like the Iron Ore color of the island which usually reads as gray without any undertones. On my monitor my photo is showing a lot of blue. I'm not wild about the backsplash. It's too "cool" against the warm tones in the countertops. I think you can see it in the photos. I feel like I overthought the whole countertop selection. I think there would have been many that would have been great. We do love the Lusso. Looking for new bar stools or will repaint the green.