I am not sure if I can point you in the right direction. There are so many directions you could choose for granite. But I will provide some pics. And maybe you can discover what you like. Do you have any pics of your kitchen you could post? Once GWebers see what you have to work with you will get some wondeful ideas. Best of luck ~boxerpups Dark Island not reddish but it shows a dark brown and what this designer chose. DillardJones Dark cabinets Absolute black granite from bachelorgulchpenthouse from Howstuffworks New Venetian Gold Squidoo image Juparana from Rocktops Juparana Granite (maybe this is too orange) NVG from floorsgalorconstruction yellow yellow river brazil granitemillennium Here is a link that might be useful: Granite suggestion for Espresso Cabinets

I came upon a similar predicament in this home two years ago. The original window above the sink was exactly like yours. Except wider, and for some reason had been painted shut! Almost every window in the home had a lovely half arch accent above each one, so I went on a search for an arched-styled window to replace the original eyesore sitting above the sink! Not only were standard arched windows very expensive, they took months to deliver. So I spent about three weekends scouring second hand shops, resellers and Habitat for Humanity Second Chance stores. Finally I came across a large warehouse where they deconstruct old buildings and homes, then sell every salvageable material imaginable. There I was able to find a gorgeous arched window in its original wood frame with trim, and walked out with it at the pretty tune of only $65! We stripped off all the old paint on the frame and trim. Cleaned the glass well and then my carpenter blocked in the surround wall so that we had a new custom opening for this (old) arched window. Added new drywall, a tile trim accent to the arch to give it more impact, and a quartz windowsill...plus two new gooseneck light fixtures above...and it became the focal point in the kitchen! It also gave such a magnificent view of the new sunroom and deeply wooded back yard beyond. Although it was a custom job, it did not have a “custom window” price tag. My point is to think outside the box, look around your home for inspiration (other key structural accents you can copy or find a likeness), and always check around for off-brand, and in second hand and resale warehouses and suppliers when it comes to a unique or challenging window, door or space. Don’t give up!

I would have left the entire deck light and natural, let it complement the mortar and fit with the natural outdoor environment, but since you have already stained the top rail you may be stuck with staining the entire deck. I would start with stripping the stain from the top rail and see how it impacted the color. Then I would re-stain with something that has a more natural feel, (Walnut, Chestnut)

Hallett and co//your deck, Dark Hickory, is GORGEOUS, thanks for posting the picture. It is so helpful to hear from someone with the same product (though different color). Maureen, thanks for another example of a more weathered looking deck. I agree the black railing is elegant and less obtrusive.