We are building on a budget as well, and my husband and I are having these same discussions. Well, GreenDesigns might be right technically. But I have always loved white kitchens... even 30 years ago when I used to go through houses with my parents. They are still my favorite today. The cabinet styles of course have changed over the years, but boy I would pick a house with dated white cabinets over oak and brass every day. So I think you are on the right track with your choices. Wood floors also great. I would go with wood/butcher block countertops over laminate though. Even the Ikea wood countertops. Some work required, but laminate is very limiting when you are cooking, even though I know the choices are far better now. I've lived with both (and marble & granite too) and prefer the butcher block. But that's just me. ;) I'm pulling for a combo of marble and butcher block on our build... the marble is my "splurge" item. Even though it's impractical. Can't wait to see what you choose.

Hard to judge on my monitor. I would say if your cabinets are more on the creamy side than your choice with the brown might be better. If they are more on the white side, than I would say your grey speckled choice. I think you are on the right track.

I came here looking for just that information when I first started researching my kitchen remodel. If you do a search for soapstone counters, you'll find lots of threads. I learned that there are different types of soapstone with varying degrees of hardness. Also, some people oil their soapstone, others don't. After reading everything I could find and talking to someone who had soapstone counters, I decided it was just the material for me. And so far it has been. I've only had the counters installed for a little while and my kitchen isn't "done" yet, but already I love the counters and they are what everyone comments on when they see the kitchen.

for the handles, may I suggest something to pick up on the hues in the flooring? A little more copper toned. you have light cabs, light floors. I think throwing in a dark ORB w/o actual copper highlights would be too much of a contrast. IMO. cypress park Sandra, I like the porcelain one better than the other one. Does the backsplash have to be done immediately? If the tones in the porcelain tile you picked clash w/the ivory tones in the counter, it could be a problem. However, I did find some copper toned ones that should be avail. these are porcelain/SS, and treated so as not to stain or tarnish. I LOVE these for your kitchen. timeless and gorgeous. They are probably not super cheap, but it would be worth it for me. http://www.miusartmosaics.com/arabesque-lantern-beacon-copper-tile-in these would also work. the site is here: maybe they have them in stock.http://www.westsidetile.com/arabesque-tiles/ i like this one too. notice the copper faucet. beautiful w/the glass mosaic. if you got the cream countertop, this would look amazing w/your floors. this last one is a copper colored slate/quartzite.