Hi jmcgowan, Can't wait to see your F&B Pointing painted cabinets. Pointing was one of our top choices -- such a beautiful color! Our kitchen isn't that big by kitchen standards these days (it is 274 square feet). So the calm continuity of the same color on cabinets and trim works well in our ''smaller'' space. In general, however, I do like the play of different shades of white layered together in a room. So I certainly don't think there is anything wrong with picking a different white for the trim. In some cases it might add the depth or slight contrast that the room needs. My sense from your drawing is that your kitchen is quite a bit larger; perhaps that is why your architect thinks that in your space having different trim and cabinet colors will work well. I'd encourage him to tell you a bit more about his thinking on this. Again, he may well be right. In any case, once your cabinets are installed, if you decide you want to match (or not match) you can make that decision at that time. As for the counters, we had some rough ideas about what our counter top colors/material might be before we ordered the paint color for our cabinets; but we didn't know for sure. That was a bit of a gamble.

http://www.countryliving.com/homes/renovation-and-remodeling/waterfront-living-0705#slide-1 or gustavian grey/blue would look super with your choices.

Yes, I thought dark grey would look great before I read your whole post!

So I started looking at new garage doors, and now I'm thinking about changing the whole outside look. All trim is currently painted a cream color. Would you recommend something different? Also, I gather no one like the shutters. I understand they're not functional, but I'm afraid the windows would look bare and utilitarian without. The houses that I think look good without shutters are more Frank Lloyd Wright-looking (not sure what the real architectural term is); this house is more traditional looking. Ideas? Thanks!