Ditto to dian57. I just had SW color match to my cabinets so I could paint the beadboard on the back of the peninsula. They suggested semi-gloss and it is a dead on perfect match to my factory finished cabinets.

I can't wait to see the finished shades of gray! I don't think I've seen anyone do one like that on this forum, something new! That kitchen with the green backsplash that I'm now in love with, that's the kitchen I wanted when I started planning my kitchen. Then, I saw some white marble one day and everything changed. I keep wondering how I got so far off track......... I'm going to stop looking at that pic now....

I noticed in your post that you were looking for ways to save money. I agree that you should consider doing custom cabinets, especially if you can find someone willing to do them for less money, and even more especially if you have your heart set on a more custom look. There are some alternatives out there. I spent about $7000 on my kitchen cabinets, when they were on sale at Home Depot (the American Woodmark brand). I have been very pleased with them. They aren't in any way top of the line, but they do have full-extension drawers, and dovetailed joints. Here's a pic: Another thought is to look at Ikea white kitchens. There seems to be lots of positive feedback, and the price would be less than I spent. I really think the key to getting a gorgeous kitchen might be the use of a great deal of creativity, and maybe not the spending of a great deal of money. Look at the gorgeous photos, and with some imagination, you might be able to imitate the looks you love for much less.

We've been doing a total gut and rebuild of our house - starting in 2004, so we've been at this a looonnnggg time. DH admitted that the main reason he wanted to go with stained is becuase he thought it would make things go quicker, and he also just wanted the decision to be "made" as he honestly thought I was not asking his opinion, but asking him to decide. He does get his way about a lot of things - that is why we have a white house with dark green trim, and why the upper level has a cabin/rustic feel. I've got way more green in my house than I would ever have chosen on my own, but it is fine. Normally I'm very laid back about stuff like this. I rarely "fall in love" with ideas/things or plans with the kitchen. That is one reason I thought I'd be OK with stained cabinets, but I guess this is one of the rare times I actually feel strongly about something. Several years ago I was shopping with my adult daughter - I found a statue that really spoke to me, but I didn't want to spend the $75 (though I could afford it). My daughter told me that when I find something that speaks to me, I should just buy it, as she knows how rare it is for that to happen. DH would rather have me happy in my kitchen (with the resulting bread, cassaroles, pies, cakes and all the food preservation I do) than have stained cabinets. He might feel different if he was the one that had to do the painting/staining, but he is not allowed near a paint brush! Thanks for your support. Cathy