I don't understand why anybody thinks Design Dilemma isn't the right place to talk about finishes for a kitchen! :) We live for questions like that! I do think that GreenDesigns has nailed the issue, though -- what do you mean when you use the word "modern"? and I might add a question about what you mean by "taupe"! there are a lot of colors between white and black... Flat/slab cabinets can be pretty spiff in a range of contexts, but you do have to know what you're aiming for...

Thanks for the feedback! I'm thinking if everything is SW pure white with subway tile backsplah, black counter tops would off set the white and I would get a look similar to this? thoughts? These kitchens seem to have one white running throughout...

I'm new to this forum and love hearing about taking chances on color. As you said, you can always paint it after a few years if you don't like it. I've been leaning towards navy blue or teal green for our island. We're also incorporating a banquette into it. As it faces the family room, I'll be using the colors throughout our family room and kitchen so it will blend easily. I love the idea of plum with green and other fall colors -apricot, buttery yellow, deep red. It would look great together although I'd tend to do more neutral sofas, chairs and other pieces, bringing the color in through throw pillows, art work, your kitchen decor- using lit cabinets on top with the same punch of color showing. As for countertops, I think the wood that I've seen on here looks great with the plum and then you can use whatever you like on the surrounding cabinets. Personally, I'd stay away from the brass hardware and go with bronze. Brass is already "dated" according to the professional guidelines I've seen although, it's still a matter of preference. If you like it, use it. There's also black hardware depending on your other colors. I'm thinking that I wouldn't want to distract from the plum with any shiny hardware that would stand out too much. Have fun with it! Rules are meant to be broken when it comes to color otherwise, we'd be living with the basics only.

Wow, lots to do. Very exciting. Suggest you break this post up to get more responses.