Our cabinets are BM Gardenia, a very warm white. We matched the trim to the cabs, including the baseboards. For the ceiling, we went with BM ceiling white, whatever that is. For us it worked out well. The business of "layering whites" has worked out well for many posters on this site. Personally, I think, that except for the ceiling, as long as there is some separation between the whites, you can have almost as many shades as you like. Like you, we also went with a grey-ish color for the walls. Ours is a 50/50 mix of BM Metallic Silver and Pidgeon Grey. If you're looking for a light grey, look at BM Metallic Silver. It was too light for us, but it may work for you. Also, keep in mind that paint is the easiest and least expensive thing to change. Here's a shot of our kitchen and below it, a link to the completed kitchen slideshow. HTH. Here is a link that might be useful: Completed Kitchen

As it appears on the screen, I like its muted gray tone because it picks up on your gray counter. It looks like a blue gray here and the blue is very pretty with your cabinet color. Blue is complementary to orange. The cool blue of it works well with the gray too. I don't think you need to bring green in which won't relate as well to your counter color.

calidesign just wanted to say a BIG thank you! We have decided to go with painting our kitchen cabinets taupe. We didn't think of that color on our own, it didn't even cross my mind, so thank you so much! I've already spoken to the cabinet guy and painter. This is the general idea I'm leaning towards. I'm going to have 2 different decorative tiles around the kitchen area (fireplace & bathroom) so I'm going to keep the back splash a solid color. Thanks again!

I would be inclined to use brass (but not the bright polished brass of 20 years ago); I think it would be very pretty with the red. But, black will work. I love brushed nickel (have it in my own kitchen) but I think it is better to repeat elements - esp. if you are going to have metal legs on the table. I love the idea of repurposing your table! If you want a slightly industrial look, you could make the new legs and shelf support out of galvanized pipe with brass fittings (combining black and brass). Or, just paint those table legs, unless you really want the metal element. I would go for recessed light, but I think you need more than 4 (from what I can see). They need to be positioned over the edges of your counters as well as the island. I am having trouble visualizing pendants for the island with the skylight there. Repositioning/installing recessed lights is not hard, but you might have to factor in repairing the holes from the track lights unless they are in the right spots for the new recessed lights. Can you get the new LED disc lights? Very easy to install, I understand. You also might need to do some wall repair from removing the upper cabinets, so don't forget to include that in your budget. Do you need the DR space as part of your kitchen? Would you want that separate room in the future for any purpose? I would wait on demolishing the archway until you see. how everything else works -- unless of course, the space is needed for the table/island. Oh, and when you get the rug to cover the floor gap, make sure it is one that can be cleaned well - colorfast, and can tolerate water. I take my large kitchen rug outside spring and fall and wash it with rug cleaner and the hose to rinse, letting it dry in the sun.