limelight, besides trying a local custom cabinet maker you could also send a door sample to Scherrs or one of the online distributors of Conestoga cabinets. Both these company's will be able to match what you have. I used Conestoga RTA's in my kitchen. Although I wasn't trying to match up existing cabinets I did mix Cherry cordovan with a sable glaze with wall cabinets painted butter cream yellow for a two tone look. Here are the progress pictures. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0812333121468.html Here is the finished kitchen. Here is a link that might be useful: Finished kitchen

We did two different cabinets and two different counters. For me the key was that (1) my island and some of my cabinets are white which is not too busy (you have black, the same thing) (2) I used only one counter material that was dramatic & the second was more even in tone/less coloration and (3) our two counter colors were in the same color family - both were basically medium gray - one all and the other gray with white. Pietra del Cardosa perimeter counters & super white quartzite island I was very nervous about this decision. Many people said 2 cabinet one counter or two counters one cabinet. But I am excited about our final decision to do both. I like a less uniform look. I worried that what I picked up looked to matchy but it doesn't in person. If you did a darker, more even tone stone like a black on the perimeter and something on the island that had more movement and just pay attention to how the counters work together you should be fine. As I keep having to remind myself, look at your inspiration photos or the FKB again to see what inspires you. I would also keep an open mind on lighter granites. Bring a your cabinet door, or other finish sample to see how they look with the slabs counters. You may be surprised and find something that works with both. But you don't have to be afraid to do two different counters if it the option you love. Regarding specific granites, I didn't find many grays. I loved pietra but it is not as durable as other granites and I love soapstone but is even less durable - both can be gray, the first lighter the second more likely black when "oiled" or very dark green, but gray if unoiled, but I don't know if people use them that way. The one mentioned in the previous post seems gray in photos but I have not seen it in person.

I would just pick one countertop. They are so similar it might read more as a mistake. It seems like EVERYONE is putting in the Blanco. I personally wouldn't not pick that one because everyone in my area seems to have that countertop. It's very basic builder choice around here, but may not be the case in your area.

Hi edelweiss- I am not sure how the wood lowers and white uppers will look to you 10 years down the line when it isn't so in style. Have you thought about doing all the uppers and lowers the same wood, with maybe two uppers glass? You could frost the glass or even just put an inexpensive peel-on film over the glass if you don't want the contents easily visualized. Then you could paint the island whatever color you want. Either white, or even that red that you like. With two different color cabinetry, (on the periphery and the island) I would not have a different type of counter top on the island, unless it were to be butcher block. I would also not get a red range top. Your tastes may change and a range top is very expensive to replace. Or you may need replacement parts, and red may not be available. Or you may sell, and red is very taste specific, and that may be a deal breaker.