ctnewbie- I have the magazine you are talking about and I love the kitchen you mention. I've saved it as an inspiration picture, too. (I also like the green island on the cover and the copper sink on page 44). I'd call the cabinets medium rather than dark; I've seen much darker cherry cabinets. And, with the soapstone, it has the best of both worlds. I believe it falls in the "timeless category" pretty well except for maybe the largest slate tiles (of the various sizes) for the backsplash. I like the tiles and DH says "less grout". I figure if you're not designing your kitchen for resale, use what you like. I've seen lots of white kitchens here that I really like a lot, but I prefer wood for myself. But I do believe that white is timeless.

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.

May I just reiterate how grateful I am for the input? cpartist, I have attached a picture of the tile on the fireplace (were you asking me about the tile or the wall color?). I had purchases the 12x12 samples from Samplize and loved the look of Revere Pewter in there on then walls, but did not like it in the kitchen. I thought Edgecomb gray looked nice in the kitchen, and I put that sample next to the tile in various locations, and thought it looked nice. So I had planned on using White Dove for the cabinets, as I thought it looked perfect in the space and worked with both the countertop and the backsplash. But then I hired a color consultant that came recommended from several friends. I was unimpressed with her. She thought that White Dove would not work because she thought it would bother me that my trim on the windows and on the pantry door did not match the cabinet color and she recommended Chantilly Lace. In my opinion, Chantilly Lace looks too white. I have a sample of White Dove, and I think it looks well with both the backsplash and the counter. I could hire another color consultant, but I was completely turned off by the earlier experience. Beth has me wanting to check out other whites, such as Simply White and Oxford White. I had found a Design Dilemma thread where the question was "Simply White or White Dove," and the majority (overwhelming majority) said they liked Simply White more than White Dove. Do you have an opinion on that? I am totally open to trying colors other than White Dove, but, again, I thought it worked until the color consultant told me she thought it would bother me. I do not want to repaint all my trim. Do you think my cabinets can be a little off white and have it look okay with the trim around the windows and the pantry door? Should I consider painting my pantry door (versus the trim)?

I would definitely bring in some contrast. Stainless/nickel would be great. I can’t tell if your pendant lights are silver or brass. If they’re brass that opens up another possibility.