I'm in the same predicament. I've chosen Huxley in Oak with the Auburn finish. I spent far too much time yesterday looking at counter tops that I can't afford. The counters I saw made from tiles had noticeable seams. I suppose that depends on the installer but I didn't like them. After looking at Corinthian Solid Surface Pyrenees series Tundra, I think I could be happy with that but for the amount I need, I probably will have to make a different choice. There are several I would take and if money were no object I'd have exactly what I want but since that isn't going to happen.........I'll have to pick something. The samples are so little it's impossible to see what it will really look like. My other thought was to get Formica with the beveled edge and upgrade in a couple of years. I will have a farm sink so that also creates its own problems but I've seen them installed above the counter height and I saw a display yesterday with Formica inside the sink hole. I can't wait for the new sink and cabinets many more years so I have decided to get as much of my dream kitchen as I can now and upgrade if I am still alive. It's so much fun choosing everything until I start adding it all up. Everything starts at $500!

I did not know before I started my overhaul that there is a difference between quartz and engineered quartz. If it matters to you then you want to read up. The article linked below explains it very briefly and simply. I just had engineered quartz installed, and I absolutely love it! It is tough as nails and gorgeous to boot. Sometimes I wish I had done granite or marble but I am thrilled with the durability, especially since DH is somewhat of a heathen in the kitchen. ;o) Good thing he's cute. Here is a link that might be useful: quartz/engineered quartz

I agree with Ranton, assuming I understand that you've already decided on the cabinet choice? If you have and you've got the style and stain/paint picked out, I'd do the counters 2nd. I'd do the floors 3rd. Flooring, unless "it's in your face" attention grabbing, tends to just be the anchor and gets relegated to almost being overlooked. If you only want the blaring floor to take center stage,(that's your main objective) then highlight that and let everything else just be a supporting role for the floor. That being said, if you have a lot of movement in the graining of the wood (cabinet), you don't want to fight "movement with movement". So let's say you have a really intense movement in the wood grain that will show through the stain, I'd quiet it down on the granite and/or pick a quartz that is quieter to the degree that the cabinets are already "speaking". ** One thing, are you looking for a certain look or style? Can you tell us that if you know? The reason I ask is that depending on what look you want to achieve be it for example, sleek/modern/minimalist, Tuscan/Mediterranean, French country, Craftsman/earthy colors etc., you get the idea. So write down some basic words that you think of when people say (your) XYZ style. From that, when you are looking at each material or pattern, what is the first word that comes to mind when you see that pattern/color/style in the granite yard or flooring? If what comes to mind belongs to another style/look, you may be about to combine things that don't belong in the same "box". Something to think about...... Oh, definitely choose the granite then choose the backsplash color/pattern/material after that. Regarding flooring, ask your DH the one thing that he wants to first be noticed in your kitchen. I.E. if someone where to come for a visit after it's completed and says they love XYZ about it. What element would be choose as the strongest thing that stands out when you walk into your kitchen? I know on some of these design shows when it comes to pattern be it fabric, upholstery, wallpaper, whatever, they suggest that the "scale" of each element not be the same. Like if you had a large print on a fabric in whatever color you'd want to choose a smaller scale on the other elements in the room so they don't compete. If you've got several large (busy) 'in your face' patterns in the room, they compete with each other. The result is that the eye bounces around constantly from large pattern (i.e. movement) to the next large/busy/heavy movement pattern. What happens is a feeling of vibration and competition between all the elements that is not restful to the eye or mind. I know I'm jumping around here. All these things are coming to mind that might help you so I'm just throwing it out there before I think of something else. Question: Are your and DH's style the same or different? If they are different, there was an HGTV show that integrated the two (sorry, can't think of it or the host's name) but there were some good points in how the host did it. Good luck and let us know how it goes. I don't know if I've helped here or not, but hopefully it will spark some thought processes that might help you.

barncats- Thanks for finding that picture. It does look pretty and I think I will be happy with the look. That is a great idea to lighten up the paint by 1/2 percent. I didn't think of that and it will make a difference for sure. I'll wait on the backsplash decision and hardware until the paint and countertops are in too - great advice. I have 9 Fireclay samples here in their various white options, and I think the current wall and countertop color are darkening and throwing off their true colors. Once I get the countertop in and walls painted, I'll be sure to come back for advice and opinions. Thanks for the edge profile opinions too. It really helped narrow things down.