I was looking at Kraftmaid because now they have a white stained cabinet. Stain is supposed to better because it penetrates the wood. The coverage is like paint though - it isn't transparent. You should search for a thread called something like "white or wood". It's all about this same question. The consensus was that people loved their white cabinets.

Oh thanks! I posted these pics eariler today and the majority of webbers voted for the gray saying the white cabs and white backsplash with light granite would be too much white. My cabinet hardware will be polished nickel bin pulls - I found them at Home Depot(http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/Search?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&keyword=martha+stuart%20hardware%20nickel&Ns=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=Search+All) and knobs - I just ordered them! Thanks for the feedback. Try the tile with your granite and see what you think.

Oh yes, what Kristin S said....soapstone would look gorgeous in your kitchen. There are many different varieties of soapstone and you can either oil it or not, to get a completely different look. Soapstone varieties But a popular choice that I've seen mentioned here many times is I think call Jet Mist granite and people like it in a honed or leathered finish. Jet mist granite pictures If you want Quartz, then consider Silestone Charcoal Soapstone. I haven't seen this one in person but it looks very nice with subtle veining on their website. If it were my choice I'd go with soapstone. Any time I've seen it I just think it looks stunning and feels beautiful as well. There are some maintenance issues and there are many threads on Houzz you can search and read up on for opinions. Shiny black granite does not do it for me.....but it isn't my kitchen, so I'll leave it at that. I think you've got a gorgeous start there with really beautiful cabinets. Please come back and post some pictures when you've got it completed or have your choices narrowed down. Also, yes to herringbone tile - love it! BRING SOPHIE BACK

I believe Frosty Carina would work great but I did not chose it because I have Frosty Carina in my bathroom so wanted something different. I chose Y9022 by K Stone which is more grey than the Frosty Carina is. I actually like the colour tone of Frosty Carina better with White Dove than the grey I chose. If you like more movement than Frosty Carina then look at Wilsonart Arktos and it is more in the beige tones. Good luck as I know it is a difficult decision.