The contrasting colors you're looking at is a GREAT place to start! Pairing the stone backsplash to tie all the other colors together is perfect. However... The floor you're choosing (because of the finish) will be a bit more upkeep. If you're looking for a dark floor with some character, why not go with Reclaimed Hardwood? They're really gorgeous, and they have so much character. You can get them in virtually any width, and you'll be helping out the environment while you're at it. The best part of wood flooring with texture is the fact that you wont go crazy about the scuffs, scratches, etc... With the reclaimed floors, there's really not much to worry about... Great for pet-owners and homes with small children too. (Oh, and they are on our 2017 "Trendy Flooring" list this year) 2017 Flooring Trends The one above is reclaimed heart pine... (Im just showing you some images I've found across the web, just to explain what I mean) Again here, there's the reclaimed hardwood floors, the white cabinets and the lovely textured surface of the flooring. This one is probably the most extreme of the three, but you can see in this one especially, what I meant by the flooring not showing much of the dirt, or scuffs and scratches.. there's so much beautiful texture already, that you won't have to worry about them. Hope this helps! But you've got a great idea on the decor. Yes, the flooring trends in Europe are super-light, and Matte finishes, and really neutral colors, but your idea of pairing the stone and the textured hardwood flooring was spot on! The Flooring Blog 1-855-914-TCFC

You may need a personalized mix of stains to get the colour shown in your inspiration photo. Ebony can look like "painted wood" it is SOOO dark. Jacobean is moderately dark with hints of green in it (often used to tone down red oak). It is not as dark as you think. As Patricia mentions - you probably need another professional if he uses Minwax and doesn't do water popping. You will have the professional do a full sanding job. Then they will put down (with water popping and a coat of finish as well) a colour patch in several different options. You will then take a day or two to decide which one you like the most. The professional will then sand out the colour patches and then apply the stain that you have chosen. You view the unfinished floor prior to application of 2-3 coats of finish (2 coats if a sealant is uses...3 coats if no sealant was used). Ask your flooring guy what finish he wants to use. That's always a good way to judge the level of craftsmanship/skill the person has. A low grade finish (like Minwax) can indicate a lower grade professional (not always....but it can help you understand what you are purchasing for the price).

You don't NEED to match the stain color of the floors, as they are not adjoining - however, you should at least keep the floors in the same tone family. Grey and dark honey don't seem to fit. I have to agree with your husband on this one.

@Shannie McQ I'm curious why the designer advised against the 5 piece in maple? @Jennifer Havin my floors are red oak. We are having them refinished. Not sure what color yet but they will be lighter with a water based top coat. Open to suggestions on that as well 😊 I did know that alder is soft but I couldn't find anything I liked as much. I'm taking a chance on it. If it looks like crap in 10 years we can just replace the island.