Well, I know it has been a while, but I realized I forgot to post an update! We finished everything in Dec '11, and have really enjoyed it. The house went on the market this weekend, so we got a little over a year in our 'new' kitchen. We got a full price offer today, and our home is priced higher than anything in our neighborhood (the house 2 doors down in 500 sf larger, and priced $5k cheaper). I think it was worth it - total cost was right around $7K. Granite: NVG light Gel Stain: Java (General) - 3 coats Tile: Home Depot Backsplash: Home Depot Here is a link that might be useful: More Kitchen Remodel Pics This post was edited by leightx on Tue, Apr 23, 13 at 12:40

There are many options with oak / warm wood cabinets. I went with light counters and backsplash - I just prefer lighter surfaces, but like you I also like the wood. When you change out the range, consider putting in a stainless hood and using a small countertop microwave or have a cabinet retrofitted with a microwave shelf. A dedicated hood looks better and functions way better than on over the range microwave. I have white appliances, but my kitchen has a more vintage / cottage look, and so I have a wood hood. I did add the hood later - stained it to match the cabinets, but that would be more expensive than a good stainless hood. I would make that decision before changing the counters and backsplash because a hood vs. over the range microwave will affect your backsplash. My microwave used to be on a microwave shelf, but I am short and did not like it so high, so I retrofitted the space with spice boxes and a plate rail. My island is a free standing Amish made piece which just happened to be a good match to my cabinets. You could do similar, but it also comes in colors - I've seen similar in white, black, sage green and gray/blue. For a many years it had a simple home center butcher block top on it, but recently I had the same quartz as on my cabinets put on the island. The downside to a free standing / non built in island is that it does not have electrical - so no outlets. This does not bother me, but if you wanted to change the microwave to a microwave drawer in an island, you would need to have an island built in with electrical - a much more expensive plan but it looks like you have the space. I have a "short apron" Whitehaven apron front sink which can be installed on a standard sink base cabinet if that is part of your style. The sink is presently on backorder, but should be available in a couple of months. My most functional change was adding under cabinet lighting between the sink and range. It is the most useful thing I did. My older eyes love the extra light, especially in the winter months, and it just makes the kitchen look brighter and prettier. It would be a must if you do darker counters. My kitchen: https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042 https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~109854029 https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~109854052 I also have a wood kitchen idea book with other possibilities of countertops and wall colors. https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75202366/thumbs/wood-kitchens

Have you looked at LVT tiles and wood look planks? I really think you coukd do wood look BUT there needs to be some contrast with your cabs. The fact that everything is the same shade is an issue to my eye. There are so many LVT options, and they will not raise the flooring height from that of the existing flooring.

Not a Pro. How lucky are you! I see that @Beth asked you to start your own dilemma regarding your kitchen. Hopefully, she will see this thread and pop in to help you out :-) I will be following to watch the progress.