Black will never clash with anything! I love my black appliances with my (dark) maple cabinets and dark peacock green granite (see picture below). They do show lots of fingerpints, but even after 5 months I still get perverse pleasure in wiping and shining them! I know lighter colored countertops would not show as much, but they tend to be more prone to staining. I was not into stainless steel because it can yellow over time and if it gets a ding or dent, there is no fixing it. It's also trendy. I was afraid stainless today will become as outdated as the harvest gold or pea green appliance colors of the 70's. Black is a perrenial and is as acceptable today as it was in the 90's, 80's, 70's, etc... Organic materials such as wood and soapstone are neutral and will never clash. It's not like we're talking purples and oranges! Good luck and go for the mood you want, dark and dramatic or light and airy, or something in-between. Just don't get hung up on worrying about clashing. Enjoy the process!!

What a beautiful new space! Lots of good counter space. Those shelves next to the sink are very clever. It makes that window look much bigger. I'm struggling with having to have one small window in my new kitchen above the window. Can I ask how wide your window is? 45 inches?

What finish are the pulls on your appliances? Also black? If so, a matte brass would be lovely. If the pulls are a different finish, match those.

Thanks, Boxerpal! Interesting you shared the link to LilyAnnCabinets. They are actually located about 30 minutes from me here in Michigan. I saw the same cherry cabinets image on their Facebook page and contacted them last week as i really love their design and the backsplash tile that was used. I did replace my appliances with SS - only have have arrived (cooktop) and double wall-oven combo. I'm still trying to get used to the SS appearance - and I'm not loving the fingerprints on the fingershield / resistant finish...lol. Dishwasher is scheduled for delivery today and the refrigerator mid-summer. I will upload some more pictures of the desk space I plan to remove to create a new coffee & cocktails beverage center. and my personal vision board. I'm trying to decide between a soft white cabinet & the new Bonsai. I love the Bonsai - but not sure if I can commit to the color or rather pick it up in the space through accents (chairs, curtains, etc.). The entire process is overwhelming! My other dilemma -- my built in desk is 21" deep and new cabinets are standard 24" - which will definitely encroach on my kitchen space. Also, beverage fridges are also standard 24" - but thinking of recessing it in the wall. Also, because it's only 72-74" max in width to work with, I'm thinking i want a small compact beverage cooler. 18X21 would be ideal -- but haven't been able to find it. I also need to think about cabinet layout and where to put the plumbing / sink for the beverage station. I was thinking of offsetting it to the left side to give me more continuous counter space. Welcome any additional thoughts!