Thanks for the responses! You know, I'd not even considered the fact that doing the chairs in a two-tone would detract from the table, but you are absolutely right, palimpsest. And ronbre, your point of it creating visual clutter is well taken. These will be in an informal dining area off the kitchen, not in a room of their own, so keeping the chairs all black will likely be the best choice. It gives a bit more polished look, too, I think. I appreciate the feedback. Now I need to stop dithering and place my order. :-)

I love my two tone. I like stained wood but didn't want to feel surrounded by brown. I like things a bit mismatchy and seemed like a good fit in my older home. I did the tall cabinets white like the uppers so that everything at eye-level is the same color. Especially because the tall cabinets are right at the entrance to my kitchen (seemed like it would feel too "in-your-face" to have the wood there). I prefer two tone kitchens with the tall cabinets matched to the uppers rather than lowers, but I don't think it's terrible to match the lowers. You can find pics of kitchens done either way. Agree to do a little contrast with the wood floor so it doesn't all blend with the lower cabinets. My kitchen floor was stained to match the rest of the house (IMO it's more red than I'd like, trying to tone it down with the rug), so I did lighter cabinets. I think it would be too much for the floor and cabinets to blend together.

I like both but do favor the lighter for now. I thought about herringbone but decided on brick lay as you see from my pic. I chose that bc I also picked a tonal tile with 3 shades for texture & interest wo being too busy (see pic) & chose grout to match tile not counter. My tile is 2 1/2” x 5”, Ztile Melange, Green Tea color. Looks gray! My advice to pass along on picking BS is to ”wait until the countertops are installed”! I’m so glad I did. I .read that over & over from Houzz Pros too. I took the advice to heart bc the person at countertop company told me to just wait! I had narrowed my choice down to 2, which it looks like you have done. Once tops were in I did a 180 change on BS tile I’d decided on & went with my second choice. And I was looking at multiple pieces of the 2 tiles to get a better idea. A surprise to me for sure that I changed. All of those whose opinions I’d solicited also seemed amazed at difference in look sitting on top of new counter. And, I solicited opinions from every trades person in my kitchen as well as friends & neighbors! 99% of them changed their pick after counters in too. Reason is that until counter is in, you’re looking at a small sample and a huge vertical slab. Light hits the counter very differently on the horizontal & in your home light. The BS tile as well. So, make sure both of your picks are available on quick turnaround & just wait. BTW, at this point, my pick for you is lighter tile Bc I Like it better with darker cabinets & tile will be right next to cabinet color next to frig. When I look at BS my eye goes down not up so I see base cabs more. Love your counter & cab together.

I know this post is over a year old... Wanted to compliment you on your choice of Table! I have a 48" Round Pedastal Table that has a huge leaf! I live in a small aprtment in the city and love the fact that my table is compact for everyday but can accomodate guests. I am on the hunt for an 8' ROUND rug fo rmy table and came across your post! GREAT CHOICE in RUG! You were asking for advice on any other improvements as well... I absolutley love that sideboard area...Was thinking instead of the cute ledges with pictures...I can't help but feel that corner is screaming for some reflection and light... How about a tall arched mirror..or even a rectangular window type mirror... (Link: Arched Mirror, Another Choice...)a little less wide than the buffet and tall in scale... and a cute accent/buffet lamp would be awesome! It could offer some beautiful reflection and some accent lighting... Just a thought. I have found some really cool mirrors at Hobby Lobby and Homegoods! What a beautiful space! I love the fireplace...I also love the clock over the fireplace... I'm a huge clock person...AND Its in a very practical place! Thanks for being a Houzzer and offerirng up a beautiful space for us to admire! Cheers!