It may be that the person installing the counters is worried about a good tight fit against all the walls where counters will run. If your walls are not flat and straight, the installers can cover a pretty good sized gap with that thick strip of countertop material laid a few inches up the wall ( the older style installations). But with good modern templating, you should expect a good fit even if your walls are a little bit off, then the tile can come right down to the counter and still meet with a small caulk joint at the change of plane. Perhaps you can ask them if they're worried about uneven walls, or you can take a yardstick to them yourself to see how they look. If it were my kitchen I'd certainly want the newer style installation.

NOT travertine. Run a search for "gardenweb and travertine." There are at least fifty threads that read, "my travertine bs looks pink now that it has been installed." I feel bad for the first five or so posters...

Yes - wood doesn’t really matter once we paint them all same color - as far as door style is concerned - I wanted different style because these cabinets will be used as a storage for dishes and glassware - it works for us

@A T Thanks for the recommendations! I hadn't considered Leathered granite, I do have some concerns on resale value with leathered as it is much less common, but will definitely look into it. The tile you suggested though is perfect! Thank you!! @la_la Girl I am open to making it all one level, but at this point planning to keep it different heights. My main concern is losing multiple outlets and that this opens directly into the living room. I kind of like the dual height from the perspective that it hides the mess in the kitchen (oops!), but I am definitely open to hearing reasons to take it down to one level! @acm Thanks for the input! You may be right, I could try painting the cabinets and then see how the granite looks before replacing. Since the butlers pantry is separated from the rest of the kitchen i have debated using that as my "test case" and painting the cabinets there to see how they look before getting into the rest of the kitchen.